Do Share Recipe

When I first made this Dorito casserole, I knew it was going to be a new family favorite. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—incredibly easy to throw together, packed with flavor, and it reminds me of a hearty plate of chilaquiles.

The crunchy Doritos, savory beef, and melted cheese create a combination that’s simply irresistible, much like the flavors you’d find in a classic taco bake casserole recipe. This is one of those comfort food dishes I find myself coming back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the key ingredients that come together to create this delicious and satisfying casserole.

1 pound lean ground beef – Using lean ground beef (like 90/10) means less excess grease to drain, making the final dish less oily.
1 cup chopped yellow onion – A yellow onion provides a mild, sweet flavor base that complements the other ingredients without being overpowering.
1 cup chopped red bell pepper – This adds a touch of sweetness, a pop of color, and a nice, tender texture to the meat mixture.
1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning – A store-bought packet is a quick and easy way to get that classic taco flavor. You can also make your own blend if you prefer.
1/2 cup water – This helps the taco seasoning dissolve and creates a thick sauce that coats the beef and vegetables perfectly.
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained – Brands like ROTEL® work great here, adding a zesty and slightly spicy kick. Draining them is crucial to prevent a watery casserole.
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed – Rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and starchy liquid, improving both the taste and texture of your dish.
1 cup sour cream – Full-fat sour cream adds a wonderful richness and tangy flavor that balances the spice. It also helps create a creamy sauce.
1 (9¼-ounce) bag Doritos®, lightly crushed – Nacho Cheese is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment! Lightly crush them to maintain some texture.
3 cups shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese – For the best melt, I always recommend grating your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make it greasy.
Optional Toppings: Chopped tomato, fresh cilantro, salsa, sliced green onions, and extra sour cream.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.

Delicious Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Switch up the protein: Not a fan of beef? This casserole works wonderfully with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, you can use a plant-based ground meat substitute or an extra can of beans (like pinto or kidney beans).
Experiment with Doritos: The recipe calls for Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch, but don’t stop there! Spicy Sweet Chili or Taco-flavored Doritos would add a whole new dimension of flavor, much like the unique twist you find in this Hawaiian grilled cheese sandwich recipe.
Add more veggies: Feel free to bulk up the meat mixture with corn, jalapeños for extra heat, or even some sautéed mushrooms—taking inspiration from dishes like the spinach ricotta stuffed shells recipe. It’s a great way to use up any vegetables you have on hand.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this dairy-free, substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use your favorite plant-based shredded cheese.

Cooking Time

This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this casserole. Here are the basics.

A 3-quart baking dish: This is the perfect size for layering all the ingredients evenly.
A large skillet: You’ll need this to cook the ground beef and vegetable mixture.
A spatula or wooden spoon: For breaking up the beef and stirring the ingredients together.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring your ingredients to ensure the best results.

How to Make Dorito Casserole?

Follow these simple steps for a perfect casserole every time. The process involves browning the meat, creating the flavorful filling, and layering it all together for a baked delight.

Prepare the Oven and Dish

First, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures that your casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup much easier later.

Cook the Beef and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned all the way through. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease. Return the skillet to the heat and add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until they become tender.

Create the Filling

Next, add the taco seasoning packet and the water to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a rich sauce. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, the rinsed black beans, and the sour cream until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Now for the fun part: layering! Start by sprinkling about 1 ½ cups of the lightly crushed Doritos in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, spoon about half of the beef mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly.

Add More Layers

Top the meat layer with another 1 ½ cups of crushed Doritos and 1 ½ cups of the shredded Cheddar-Jack cheese. Repeat the process with the remaining meat mixture, followed by the rest of the crushed chips and finally, the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese on top.

Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly browned on top. The filling should be heated all the way through.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really take it to the next level.

Don’t over-crush the chips: I learned that if you crush the Doritos too finely, they can get lost in the casserole and become soggy. I like to leave some larger pieces for a better crunch, even after baking.
Let it rest: This is a hard one because it smells so good, but I find that letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven is a game-changer. It helps the layers set, making it much easier to cut and serve clean slices.
Customize the spice: My family likes a little extra heat, so I often add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture. If you prefer it milder, make sure your diced tomatoes and chiles are the “mild” variety.
Fresh toppings are key: The real magic happens with the toppings. A dollop of cool sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice cut through the richness of the casserole and add a burst of freshness that I think is essential.

How to Serve Dorito Casserole?

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple touches can make it even better.

This casserole is a complete meal in one dish, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. When serving, use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out individual portions.

Garnish each plate with your favorite toppings like chopped fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, a sprinkle of cilantro, a spoonful of salsa, and an extra dollop of sour cream for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 653
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fat: 36g

Make Ahead and Storage

This is a great recipe for meal prepping or for enjoying leftovers.

To store, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep in mind that the chips will soften over time, but the flavor will still be delicious.

For reheating, the oven is your best bet to revive some of the texture. Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. While you can use the microwave, it will result in a softer texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are just a few reasons why this Dorito Casserole will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Incredibly Easy to Make: With simple instructions and common ingredients, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
A True Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of savory meat, cheesy goodness, and crunchy Doritos is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s the ultimate comfort food for potlucks, family gatherings, or game day.
Completely Customizable: You can easily swap out the protein, change the Doritos flavor, or add different vegetables to suit your taste. It’s a versatile base recipe that invites creativity.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. It’s a fantastic dish for meal prepping, ensuring you have a delicious and hearty lunch waiting for you.

Ben Carraoli