1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Seasoned Ground Beef Layer:

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to use a wooden spoon to separate the meat.
2. As the meat is cooking, chop the onion and the tomato. If your meat is on the leaner side and not cooking off much grease, after the meat is about halfway cooked, add in the chopped onion to sauté as the beef continues to cook. * See notes below if your beef is cooking off excess grease.
3. Once onions and beef are cooked and combined, add in the diced tomato and let cook for 5 minutes.  Now add in pressed garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Finally add in all seasonings: paprika, Knorr beef or chicken seasoning, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper and the water.  Bring to a boil and mix together.  Then bring down to a simmer and allow the meat mixture to cook, until all liquids have reduced.

**Note:  If you are using a higher fat content beef, and there is a lot of grease, cook the meat fully and then drain the grease out by pouring the beef onto a plate or bowl lined with a few layers of paper towel. Then, pat the meat to remove excess grease.  Next, sauté the onion in the pan alone and add the ground beef back to the pan when finished.  Mix them together.

Creating your Taco Layer Dip:

1. First spread a layer of refried beans across the bottom of the un-greased oven safe baking dish, such as a 9 X 13.   Or you could choose a square or smaller version if you want thicker layers.  (We love these Staub baking dishes from Amazon.)
2. Next, layer the seasoned beef across the beans.
3. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese across the beans.
4. Now, bake at 350° until cheese is slightly melted (~ 5 – 10 mins)
5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 mins.
6. Once slightly cooled, spread guacamole across the melted cheese.
7. Next, spread a thin layer of sour cream or creamy substitute of choice.
8. Then add Pico de Gallo.
9. And finally, if you would like any additional shredded cheese, shredded lettuce or additional cilantro add that last.
10. Serve with chips and enjoy!