Gluten Free Layered Taco Dip

Ingredients:

For the Protein Layers:
• 1 pound lean ground beef (omit if vegetarian)
• 2-1/2 tablespoons gluten-free taco seasoning (McCormick's* - not dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can red or black refried beans (La Preferida - available in organic)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup shredded cheese of choice (I used mixture of pre-shredded mild cheddar and Monterey Jack) - (or Daiya or Follow Your Heart for dairy-free)
• 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
For the Guacamole:
• 1 ripe avocado
• White distilled vinegar or lime juice, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Gluten-free chipotle sauce (Bufalo) or hot sauce (Tobasco), to taste
• Other Ingredients:
• Gluten-free sour cream (avoid lite or light as they may contain gluten, as well as some brands of full-fat)
• Gluten-free salsa (La Victoria)
• Gluten-free tortilla chips (my fave is Food Should Taste Good Multi-Grain)

Instructions:

To Make the Bottom, Protein Layers:
1. Brown the beef in an ungreased skillet until no longer pink.
2. Add taco seasoning and water, and stir. Lower heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Transfer to an ungreased 9 x 9 casserole dish and distribute evenly over the bottom. If using a 13 x 9 dish, spread over two-thirds of the dish.
3. Using paper towels, wipe out the grease from the skillet and add the canned beans and water. Stir over medium-high until thick enough to spread. Distribute evenly over the beef mixture.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and set aside.
To Make the Guacamole:
5. In a bowl, mash the avocado. Add a small splash of vinegar (or lime juice), sprinkle with garlic powder and salt, and add a small amount of chipotle sauce (or hot sauce). Taste and add additional amounts of the ingredients according to your tastes.
To Assemble the Remaining Layers:
6. Place the casserole dish in the microwave and heat on high until the cheese thoroughly melts
7. Top the cheese with about 1-inch of lettuce.
8. In the center of one-third of the layers, spoon the guacamole in a striped fashion. To the other two-thirds, add sour cream and salsa.

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