Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can Refried Beans (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning Mix (for beans)
  • 5 lbs / 680g Ground Beef (85/15 recommended) or Ground Turkey
  • 1/2 cup / 75g Yellow Onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Mix (for meat)
  • 1/4 cup / 60ml Water
  • 6 cups / ~180g Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
  • 3 medium / ~300g Ripe Roma Tomatoes, diced
  • 5 cups / 170g Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 cup / 75g Sliced Black Olives, drained
  • 1 cup / 240g Sour Cream (full fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup / 120g Plain Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons / 30ml Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin (for dressing)
  • Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups / 100g Tortilla Chips or Strips
  • 1/4 cup / 10g Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Base (Layer 1): In a small bowl, combine the refried beans with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Mix well until uniform. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the large serving bowl.
  2. Cook the Protein (Layer 2): Brown the ground beef and diced onion in the skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat thoroughly. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Spread this warm meat mixture evenly over the bean layer.
  3. Chill/Set: Allow the first two layers to cool slightly (10-15 minutes) before adding the next layer to prevent the lettuce from wilting immediately.
  4. Layer the Veggies (Layers 3 & 4): Top the cooled meat layer evenly with the shredded lettuce. Then, gently distribute the diced tomatoes over the lettuce.
  5. Add the Cheese (Layer 5): Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the tomatoes, followed by the drained black olives.
  6. Make the Crema (Layer 6): In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, yogurt/mayo, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Dollop or gently drizzle about two-thirds of this crema mixture over the cheese layer.
  7. Final Assembly & Garnish (Layer 7): Just before serving, arrange the tortilla chips or strips over the top layer. Drizzle the remaining crema over the chips and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro.