Spread refried beans on bottom of 9 by 13 inch casserole dish. Make your guacamole (see homemade recipe), and spread over beans. Then spread sour cream, followed by jar of salsa. Feel free to use less of sour cream and salsa, as per your own taste, if you think it’s too much. You can buy pre-grated cheese, but I prefer to grate my own, as it’s cheaper and seems fresher. Spread the cheese on top of the salsa. Chop up tomatoes to sprinkle on top of cheese. Put sliced black olives on top of tomatoes. Again, in an effort to save money, I buy a can of whole olives, and slice up (or tear up) enough to spread out plenty on top.

As far as the optional ingredients, I do add the onions, sprinkling them on the salsa layer. Some folks feel that the salsa already offers enough onions and thus omit adding extra onions. In the particular version in the picture, I used green onions, putting them on top with the cilantro, as they are more decorative than white or yellow onions.

I’m a big cilantro fan. I’ll use it torn up in a simple lettuce and tomato salad. It’s delectable on this layered dip. If you like cilantro, tear up a bunch of fresh cilantro and spread it out on top.

I have tried the ground beef before, and it is a good addition, but it is better if the dip is served right away, as it isn’t as tasty once the dish gets cold. And this dish does have to be refrigerated, considering the ingredients involved. I have also used the lettuce before, but it needs to be served fresh. When I transport the dip outside my home, I don't attempt to use the lettuce or ground beef. For a bunch of hearty eaters at a Super Bowl party, you could add all the extras to make the dip go further. Just heat up the ground beef if needed.

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips! This tasty dish disappears pretty quickly.