I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until browned. Then I add chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and fragrant. After that, I mix in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes to build a rich base.
Next, I warm up the refried beans slightly so they spread easily. This step makes layering much smoother and prevents tearing tortillas. The beans also help bind all the flavors together during baking.
I begin with a layer of tortillas at the bottom of my baking dish. Then I add beef mixture, beans, salsa, and a generous sprinkle of cheese. I repeat these layers until everything is used, finishing with cheese on top.
I place the dish in a preheated oven and bake it until the cheese melts fully. The top becomes golden and slightly crispy, which adds amazing texture. This step usually takes around 30–35 minutes for perfect results.
Once baked, I let it sit for about 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set properly so it doesn’t fall apart when served. Then I slice it like a lasagna and enjoy it warm.