Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef

This Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful dish that brings the crunch of nacho cheese Doritos together with savory seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese. It’s the kind of comfort food I turn to when I need something fast, filling, and satisfying. With layers of flavor and texture, it’s always a crowd-pleaser at dinner time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, quick to assemble, and incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for using up pantry staples and feeding a hungry family. The crushed Doritos give it an unbeatable crunch, while the seasoned ground beef and creamy, cheesy layers keep it hearty and flavorful. Whether I’m making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Nacho cheese Doritos

• Onion

• Taco seasoning

• Cream of mushroom soup

• Sour cream

• Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Olive oil or butter (for sautéing the onion)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent.

3. I add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked. I drain excess fat if needed.

4. I stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. I let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, I spread a layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom.

6. I spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle with a layer of cheddar cheese.

7. I repeat with another layer of Doritos, beef mixture, and cheese.

8. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. I let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to help everything settle.

Servings and timing

This Dorito Casserole serves about 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

When I want to change things up, I swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken. I sometimes add black beans or corn for extra texture. If I’m craving a spicier version, I mix in some chopped jalapeños or use spicy Doritos. For a slightly lighter option, I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I usually use the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the Doritos from getting too soggy. The microwave works too, but I expect a softer texture from the chips.

FAQs

How do I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?

I like to add them right before baking and avoid overloading the casserole with too much liquid to help maintain some crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate. When I’m ready to bake, I top with Doritos and cheese so they stay crisp.

Can I freeze Dorito casserole?

I can freeze it before baking, but I hold off on adding Doritos until just before I bake it. I thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is my go-to, but I also enjoy blending it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely. I substitute the beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

Conclusion

This Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef is my favorite kind of comfort food—easy to make, satisfying, and always a hit with everyone at the table. It’s perfect for busy nights or when I just want something fun and flavorful. With endless ways to switch it up, I never get bored of making it again and again.

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