In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the beef is fully coated and flavorful.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take your 9x13 inch baking dish and start layering.
Start with the refried beans as your first layer, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the seasoned ground beef on top of the beans, followed by half of the salsa. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the salsa.
Now it’s time for the Tostitos chips! Layer them evenly over the cheese. The chips will add a delightful crunch to the casserole.
Repeat the layering process: add the remaining salsa, followed by the rest of the ground beef and cheese. Top it off with a final layer of chips for extra crunch.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool slightly. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and dollops of sour cream. Serve hot and watch it disappear!