Preheat Oven to 375℉

Step 1 – Prep Like a Pro

• Start by organizing all your ingredients. Dice your onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and tomatoes.
• Grate your cheese if you’re not using pre-shredded. This makes assembly faster and cleaner.

Step 2 – Let’s Make Pico

• For the pico, we are keeping it simple; Just tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, lime, and cilantro. Season to taste and boom… perfection.
• This will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days easily and makes for a great snack or to top off an omelette in the morning.

Step 3 – Mix the Sour Cream Lime Layer

• In a bowl, combine sour cream with lime zest, lime juice, tajin, sugar, and the seasoning of your choice.
• Stir until smooth. This layer adds a tangy, cooling contrast to the spicy beef and could be included in the casserole or optionally, used for serving on the side.

Step 4 – Cook the Beef Mixture

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown both ground beefs until fully cooked.
• Drain any excess grease.
• Add the diced onion and jalapeños.
• Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.

Step 5 – Add Flavor Base

• Measure out the seasonings and add once you begin cooking the beef. (Optionally you could use ground turkey or chicken too)
• It’s important to brown your meat thoroughly. This will add texture, color, and flavor.
• Stir in beef bouillon, water, and your seasonings (Sazon, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and all-purpose seasoning).
• Simmer until the mixture is thickened and aromatic.

Step 6 – Grate Cheese

• You can use store-bought pre-shredded cheese here, but I am a fan of grating it myself. You can also have free reign to decide what cheese blend you want to use. I like Colby or Monterey Jack. Pepperjack would work too as a spicier option.
• Optionally, I like to add a layer of cotija cheese on top. I had some in the fridge so decided to add it here, but I don’t always.

Step 7 – Assemble the Casserole

• In a 9×13″ baking dish, layer the casserole as follows:
• Spread refried beans across the bottom.
• Add the seasoned beef mixture evenly.
• Spread the sour cream lime mixture over the beef.
• Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded cheese.
• Add the crushed Doritos for a crunchy topping.

Step 8 – Bake to Perfection

• Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 9 – Garnish & Serve

• Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top with the remaining cheese, black olives, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.