Cheesy Doritos Casserole Recipe: A Fun Twist on Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering Doritos casserole that combines crispy chips and savory layers of cheese and meat.

Melted cheese blankets seasoned ground beef nestled between crunchy Doritos, creating a delightful texture in every bite.

The dish brings together classic ingredients in a playful, irresistible combination that sends taste buds dancing.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal.

Each forkful promises a burst of flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This crowd-pleasing recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that celebrates bold, cheesy goodness.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

What’s to Love About Doritos Casserole

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic taco flavors into a hearty, cheesy casserole that everyone from kids to adults will love.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customizable Crowd-Solver: Versatile dish allows personalization with favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro, ensuring each person can create their ideal plate.
• No-Fuss Family Dinner: Combines familiar ingredients like ground beef, Doritos, and cheese into a one-pan meal that simplifies weeknight cooking and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What You’ll Need for Doritos Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty and rich meat for a satisfying meal.

• Doritos, Taco Seasoning: Crunchy chips with zesty flavor for Mexican-style kick.

• Cheese, Sour Cream: Melty and smooth ingredients for creamy texture.

• Onions, Fire Roasted Tomatoes, Tomatoes and Chilies: Fresh and colorful additions for depth.

• Beans: Protein-packed and soft legume for extra heartiness.

• Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Simple lubricants for easy preparation.

• Taco Toppings: Fresh and customizable extras for personal flair.

Steps for Building Doritos Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Equipment

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Grab a large skillet, 9×13″ casserole dish, and cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook ground beef until completely browned with no pink visible.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add diced onions to skillet and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Taco seasoning
• Fire roasted tomatoes
• Tomatoes and chilies
• Beans

Heat mixture thoroughly to blend flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Mix sour cream into meat mixture and remove from heat.

Step 6: Create First Doritos Layer

Lightly spray casserole dish with cooking spray.

Spread 2 cups of crushed Doritos as bottom layer.

Step 7: Build First Meat Layer

Spoon half of meat mixture over Doritos.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly.

Step 8: Create Second Layer

Repeat meat and cheese layer similar to previous step.

Step 9: Add Crunchy Topping

Top casserole with additional crushed Doritos and light cheese sprinkle.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Cover dish with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Remove foil and bake additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with preferred taco toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.

Serve hot and savor the deliciousness.

Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Dorito Layers

• Break chips into medium-sized pieces for optimal texture and even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Adjust taco seasoning and choose mild or hot varieties based on your family's heat preference.
• Pat ground beef and beans dry to prevent a watery casserole and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Add fresh garnishes like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra freshness and personal flair.
• Substitute ground turkey for beef and use low-fat cheese to create a healthier version without compromising taste.

Save and Reheat Doritos Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Goes with Doritos Casserole

• Cool Down with Cold Beer: Pair this hearty Doritos Casserole with a crisp, light Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo to balance the spicy, rich flavors and cut through the cheesy, meaty dish.
• Refresh with Citrus Margarita: Mix a classic lime margarita to complement the zesty tomato and chili notes, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint that enhances the casserole's bold taste profile.
• Boost with Creamy Salsa Verde: Serve a homemade or store-bought green salsa on the side to add extra moisture, tang, and a fresh herb kick that elevates the casserole's southwestern-inspired elements.
• Balance with Crisp Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with cilantro, lime vinaigrette, and diced tomatoes to provide a light, refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy casserole texture.

Toppings and Twists for Doritos Casserole

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the same spicy flavor profile and layering technique.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap Doritos with crushed pork rinds or almond flour-based chips, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the casserole's zesty texture.
• Chicken Swap Option: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey for a leaner protein alternative that keeps the recipe's core essence.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and coconut-based sour cream to create a version suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals without compromising taste complexity.

FAQs

• Are Doritos necessary for this recipe?

While Doritos are key to the casserole’s texture and flavor, you can substitute with tortilla chips if needed.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and choice of tomatoes with chilies. Use mild versions if you prefer less heat.

• What ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can be excellent alternatives for a lighter version of the casserole.

Doritos Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy Doritos casserole brings Tex-Mex comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of bold flavors and crispy chip goodness. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crunchy Doritos create a crowd-pleasing meal you cannot resist digging into.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 ounce packet taco seasoning

Canned and Wet Ingredients:

• 15 ounces fire roasted tomatoes (1 can)
• 15 ounces light red kidney beans (1 can)
• 10 ounces diced tomatoes and chilies (Rotel, 1 can)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Cheese and Chips:

• 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 5 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos tortilla chips, crushed

Optional Garnish:

Cilantro

Green onions

Black olives

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing for a zesty Mexican-inspired comfort dish.
2. Select a large skillet and sizzle ground beef over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked and no pink remains.
3. Incorporate diced onions into the beef, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Infuse the mixture with taco seasoning, creating a robust flavor profile.
5. Pour in fire roasted tomatoes, tomatoes with chilies, and beans, stirring to combine and develop a rich, hearty texture.
6. Gently fold in sour cream, removing the skillet from heat to prevent curdling.
7. Prepare a 9×13″ casserole dish with a light cooking spray coating.
8. Create the first foundational layer by spreading crushed Doritos across the bottom of the dish.
9. Generously distribute half of the seasoned meat mixture over the Doritos.
10. Sprinkle a liberal amount of shredded cheese to enhance the melty, gooey texture.
11. Repeat the layering process with remaining meat mixture and another cheese layer.
12. Crown the casserole with a final layer of lightly crushed Doritos and a cheese sprinkle.
13. Carefully cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
14. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top turns golden and crispy.
15. Allow the casserole to rest briefly, then garnish with classic taco toppings for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Crush Doritos slightly before layering to maintain some crunch and texture throughout the casserole.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish from becoming too oily.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy taco seasoning based on personal preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for traditional ground beef.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg