Irresistible Ground Beef Doritos Casserole Recipe for Taco Night

Comfort meals like this ground beef dorsos casserole capture the heart of hearty home cooking.

Layered textures and bold flavors combine in a dish that screams pure satisfaction.

Crispy chips provide an unexpected crunch against tender meat and melted cheese.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners become instantly more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Cheesy, spicy, and outrageously delicious, the casserole promises to become a new household favorite.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of familiar ingredients and surprising twists.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this seriously addictive meal that feeds hungry souls.

Tips for Getting the Best Crunch in Doritos Casserole

• Drain Excess Grease: Remove fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a lighter, more enjoyable texture.
• Customize Doritos Flavor: Experiment with different Doritos varieties like Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or Spicy Nacho to add unique flavor twists to the dish.
• Layer Strategically: Crush Doritos into uniform-sized pieces for even distribution and consistent crunch throughout the casserole.
• Reduce Sodium Option: Use low-sodium taco seasoning and reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a healthier version without compromising taste.
• Balance Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot green chilies, and controlling jalapeno quantities to suit individual heat preferences.

Store and Reheat Doritos Casserole Without a Hassle

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• For quick reheating, zap individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and preserve the Doritos' crunch.

What to Serve with Ground Beef Doritos Casserole

• Craft a refreshing sangria with red wine, orange slices, and a hint of cinnamon to balance the casserole's zesty taco seasoning and jalapeño kick.
• Create a creamy, tangy side dish featuring grilled corn, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder that mirrors the casserole's bold Tex-Mex flavors.
• Select a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the rich, cheesy layers and provide a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty beef and Doritos.
• Whip up a creamy avocado dip with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice to add a fresh, zesty element that complements the casserole's bold profile.

Creative Doritos Casserole Variations to Try

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Replace Doritos with roasted cauliflower florets, use lettuce wraps for serving, and swap regular taco seasoning for a low-carb version to create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Bean Blast: Substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils, use vegetable broth instead of meat drippings, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Gluten-Free Nacho Feast: Use gluten-free tortilla chips or corn chips instead of Doritos, select a certified gluten-free taco seasoning, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Southwest Ranch: Amp up heat by adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the beef mixture, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

Most Asked Questions About This Doritos Casserole

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies you use. You can control the spiciness by choosing mild or hot varieties of these ingredients.

• Can I use a different type of chips?

While Doritos work best for flavor, you can substitute with tortilla chips or corn chips. The key is to use a sturdy chip that won’t get too soggy during baking.

• What ground beef percentage works best?

A lean ground beef like 80/20 or 85/15 is ideal. It provides enough fat for flavor but won’t make the casserole overly greasy. Avoid ultra-lean beef as it can dry out the dish.

• How do I prevent the chips from getting mushy?

Layer the chips strategically and don’t overmix. The bottom layer of chips creates a base, and the top layer should be added just before baking to maintain some crunch.

Why You’ll Want to Try Ground Beef Doritos Casserole

• This hearty casserole brings everyone together with its irresistible flavors and easy preparation.
• Whip up this delicious meal in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
• Combines kid-approved Doritos with classic ground beef, creating a dish that both children and adults will love.
• Easily adapt the recipe by switching Doritos flavors, adding different toppings, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes.

Doritos Casserole Recipe Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that provides hearty flavor and meaty texture for the casserole.

• Doritos, Taco Seasoning: Crunchy base layer with bold southwestern spice blend that adds zesty kick and texture.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy elements that bind ingredients and create smooth, rich consistency.

• Onions, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Green Onions, Jalapenos, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that provide depth, heat, and bright flavor profiles.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

• Extra Sour Cream, Diced Tomatoes: Additional toppings for personalized serving style.

How to Make Ground Beef Doritos Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly coat with cooking spray. Set oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up.

Step 2: Sauté Savory Base

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium flame. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Toss in ground beef and break into crumbly pieces while browning. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Build Flavor Profile

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies

Cook mixture for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Mixture

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Stir until ingredients are fully combined.

Step 5: Layer Delicious Components

In baking dish, create first layer with crushed Doritos. Spread half the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat layers for maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide dish into preheated oven. Bake 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and edges bubble.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Extra sour cream

Serve hot and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Ground Beef Doritos Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Ground Beef Doritos Casserole brings layers of cheesy, crunchy comfort to dinner tables across America. Crispy chips, seasoned meat, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
• Sour cream or guacamole for serving

Seasonings and Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
• 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Crunchy Topping:

• 1 bag (9.75 oz / 275 g) Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed

Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapenos
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray.
2. Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned. Eliminate excess grease from the pan.
4. Enhance the meat mixture by stirring in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies, allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive filling develops.
6. Create the first layer of the casserole by evenly distributing half of the crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Gently spread half of the seasoned beef mixture over the chip layer, then generously sprinkle with shredded cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining Doritos, beef mixture, and cheese to complete the casserole structure.
9. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts completely and develops a bubbly golden surface.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to set the layers.
11. Personalize the dish by garnishing with optional toppings like sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, additional diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.
12. Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the rich, layered flavors of this comforting casserole.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by selecting different Doritos flavors like Spicy Nacho or Cool Ranch to match your spice preference.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole bottom and maintain crispy Doritos texture.
• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and ensure a quick, stress-free meal assembly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg