Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain fat and set aside.
1 lb ground beef
Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a sheet pan or oven-safe platter. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the chips to create a moisture barrier.
12 oz tortilla chips, 2 cups cheddar cheese
Warm refried beans in a pot for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Spread warmed refried beans evenly over the cheese layer. Add cooked ground beef on top, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over everything.
16 oz refried beans, 1 lb ground beef, 2 cups cheddar cheese
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the chips are lightly browned and crisp.
2 cups cheddar cheese, 12 oz tortilla chips
Remove from oven and immediately top with sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, green onions, black olives, and avocado or guacamole. Serve within 5 minutes while chips remain crisp.
0.5 cup sour cream, 0.5 cup salsa, 0.25 cup jalapeños, 0.25 cup green onions, 0.25 cup black olives, 1 whole avocado
