This Dorito Casserole brings together all the flavors of a taco night into one easy-to-make dish. The Doritos form a crispy, savory base, topped with a hearty beef mixture, and finished off with melty cheese that pulls everything together.
Not only is it a family favorite, but it’s also a versatile dish. You can add extras like black olives, jalapeños, or even refried beans to make it your own. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd at a family gathering, potluck, or simply enjoying a quick and satisfying dinner at home.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 bag (10 oz) Doritos (taco-flavored)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 small onion, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
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Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in taco seasoning, cream of mushroom soup, Rotel tomatoes, and sour cream. Mix well and simmer for 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a layer of Doritos on the bottom. Pour half of the beef mixture on top of the chips.
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Add another layer of Doritos and pour the remaining beef mixture on top.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Perfect Comfort Meal
Dorito casserole is an innovative take on a classic casserole that incorporates the irresistible crunch of Doritos, making it a fun and flavorful twist on traditional comfort food. While its base is quite simple — ground beef and seasonings — the addition of Doritos adds a unique texture, offering a balance of creamy and crunchy in every bite. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for anyone, with its easy-to-adjust toppings and flavors. Whether you prefer the classic Nacho Cheese flavor or a more adventurous Cool Ranch, you can easily tailor this casserole to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Flavor
The ingredients in this casserole come together perfectly to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Ground beef is the star, providing a meaty base that pairs wonderfully with the flavors of taco seasoning, bell peppers, and onions. Adding canned diced tomatoes with green chilies gives a tangy, slightly spicy kick, while canned black beans bring additional texture and heartiness to the dish. Sour cream gives the casserole a creamy richness, making each bite feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
The Doritos, of course, bring the signature crunch and flavor that ties everything together, and the shredded cheddar-jack cheese adds a gooey, melty layer that turns the casserole into a cheesy delight. It’s a combination that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
How to Make the Dorito Casserole
Making Dorito casserole is straightforward and doesn’t take much time at all. Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet and then draining the excess grease. Once the beef is ready, add onions and bell peppers to sauté until softened. Season the mixture with taco seasoning, adding just enough water to help distribute the spices evenly. Then, mix in the canned diced tomatoes and black beans, followed by a generous scoop of sour cream to bring everything together.
Layer the casserole by spreading a base of Doritos in a baking dish, topping it with half of the beef mixture, followed by more Doritos, then the rest of the beef mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a warm, cheesy casserole with an irresistible crunch from the Doritos.
Customize Your Dorito Casserole
One of the best parts about Dorito casserole is its customization potential. While the recipe as written is delicious, you can easily switch out ingredients based on personal preference. Try adding additional veggies such as corn or black olives, or spice things up by incorporating jalapeños or a different kind of salsa. If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can swap it for a dollop of cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Additionally, Dorito casserole is a great base for various protein options. While ground beef is the most common choice, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary needs. The versatility of the recipe makes it ideal for adapting to different tastes and preferences.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
One of the biggest advantages of this casserole is its quick preparation time, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. It takes only around 30 minutes to prepare and cook, meaning you can have a hot, filling meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The casserole is also perfect for meal prepping, as leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and when reheating, use the oven to maintain the texture of the Doritos.
Serving Suggestions
Dorito casserole can stand alone as a hearty meal, but it’s even better when paired with a refreshing side salad. A light, tangy salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. For those who prefer a spicier kick, a side of salsa or guacamole would also make an excellent accompaniment. You can also serve the casserole with a dollop of sour cream on top to enhance its creamy texture.
Tips for Perfecting Your Dorito Casserole
While making Dorito casserole is simple, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. First, be sure to use fresh Doritos for the best crunch. Over time, chips lose their crispiness, and stale chips can affect the texture of the casserole. Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavor of the Doritos. Different flavors like Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or even the new Taco flavor can give your casserole a unique twist.
To prevent the Doritos from becoming too soggy, avoid overbaking the casserole. The chips should be just crisp enough to provide a contrast to the melty cheese and beef filling without losing their texture. Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking and remove it as soon as the cheese is fully melted and the top is lightly browned.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, storing them is simple. Keep the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, it’s best to reheat the casserole in the oven to preserve the crunch of the Doritos. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through.
Conclusion: A Dish for Every Occasion
The Dorito casserole is an easy, flavorful dish that combines all the best elements of comfort food — cheese, crunchy chips, savory meat, and hearty beans. Its versatility and simplicity make it perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd quickly. Not only is it customizable to your taste, but it also offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Whether you’re a fan of classic Nacho Cheese Doritos or prefer experimenting with other flavors, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Add your favorite toppings and sides to complete the meal, and you’ve got a winning dish that will satisfy everyone at the table.