Dorito Casserole is a Tex-Mex dream baked into one delicious, cheesy, crunchy dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy salsa-spiked filling, and crunchy nacho cheese Doritos create a weeknight dinner that feels like a guilty pleasure—in the best way possible. It’s easy to make, kid-approved, and perfect for potlucks or game-day gatherings.
What Makes This Dish Special?
This casserole brings together comfort food and snack food in the most satisfying way. The bold flavor of nacho cheese Doritos adds crunch and fun to every bite, while the beefy filling with melted cheese, sour cream, and salsa keeps things rich and creamy. It’s like a taco night in casserole form—quick, easy, and loaded with flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (9.75 oz) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the seasoned beef, sour cream, salsa, soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until well blended.
4. Layer the Casserole
Add half of the crushed Doritos to the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips. Top with the remaining Doritos and the rest of the shredded cheese.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve with Toppings
Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or green onions if desired.
Variations
- Chicken Dorito Casserole: Swap the ground beef for cooked shredded chicken.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle salsa, or pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Use black beans and corn in place of beef.
- Creamier Version: Add an extra 1/2 cup of sour cream or a bit of cream cheese.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven mitts
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole (without the top Dorito layer) for up to 2 months. Add fresh Doritos and cheese before baking.
My Cooking Experience
Dorito Casserole is one of those meals I turn to when I want something comforting and fun. It’s always a hit with guests and family—especially kids. I love how easy it is to customize, and the crunch of the Doritos on top is always a winner. Sometimes I sneak in some chopped bell peppers or corn for an extra pop of texture.
Conclusion
The Best Dorito Casserole is cheesy, satisfying, and packed with flavor and crunch. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back get-togethers and comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have. One bite and it’s easy to see why this dish is a family favorite.
best dorito casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add taco seasoning and water, simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine the seasoned beef, sour cream, salsa, soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Add half of the crushed Doritos to the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips. Top with the remaining Doritos and the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole (without the top Dorito layer) for up to 2 months. Add fresh Doritos and cheese before baking.
