Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold flavor: The iconic taste of Doritos adds a delicious crunch.
Easy layering: Simple assembly with familiar taco ingredients.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable : Add your favorite taco toppings or extra veggies.
Perfect for feeding a crowd: Great for parties and leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Taco seasoning
Salsa
Cream cheese or sour cream
Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
Crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor or your favorite)
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, jalapeños
Directions
Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Season beef: Add taco seasoning and salsa to beef; simmer until thickened.
Mix cream cheese: In a separate bowl, soften cream cheese and mix with some shredded cheese.
Assemble casserole: In a baking dish, layer half the crushed Doritos, then half the beef mixture, followed by the cream cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese over the top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Add optional toppings before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Vegetarian: Use black beans or lentils instead of beef.
Cheesy twist: Mix in cream cheese or add queso.
Different chips: Use Cool Ranch Doritos or tortilla chips.
Add veggies: Include corn, bell peppers, or onions in layers.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.
Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 1 month; thaw overnight and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well.
How crunchy will the Doritos stay?
Doritos soften during baking but still provide some texture.
Can I assemble ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate before baking.
Can I add beans?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans are great additions.
What cheese is best?
A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar works best.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, ensure taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger dish and increase cooking time if needed.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s flavorful but not overly spicy unless you add heat.
Can I add sour cream on top?
Yes, serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
What sides go well?
Serve with rice, salad, or guacamole.
Conclusion
Taco Casserole is a fun, easy, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the bold flavors of tacos with the crunch of Doritos in a cheesy, comforting casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Dorito Taco Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Dorito Taco Casserole is a flavorful, cheesy, and crunchy layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, melted cheese, and crushed Doritos for a fun, taco-inspired meal. Easy to assemble and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this crowd-pleasing casserole brings bold flavor and comforting textures to the table.
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 packet taco seasoning
-
1 cup salsa
-
4 oz cream cheese or ½ cup sour cream
-
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
-
3 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese or preferred flavor)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
-
Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Cook beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
-
Season beef: Add taco seasoning and salsa to beef; simmer until thickened.
-
Mix cream cheese: Soften cream cheese in a bowl and mix with half of the shredded cheese.
-
Assemble casserole: In a baking dish, layer half the crushed Doritos, half the beef mixture, then the cream cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
-
Top with cheese: Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese evenly on top.
-
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and serve: Add optional toppings before serving.
Notes
Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.Substitute beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.Use different Dorito flavors like Cool Ranch or tortilla chips.Add corn, bell peppers, or onions for extra veggies.
