Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Doritos Taco Casserole is a crowd-pleasing comfort dish that layers seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, salsa, and crunchy Doritos for a Tex-Mex explosion of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this casserole combines all your favorite taco ingredients in one easy-to-bake dish. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and irresistibly crunchy.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniontaco seasoningsour creamsalsacheddar cheese (shredded)Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)canned corn (drained)black beans (rinsed and drained)nacho cheese Doritos (crushed)green onions (sliced)optional toppings (diced tomatoes, jalapeños, chopped cilantro)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add taco seasoning and a splash of water; stir to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes.

Stir in sour cream, salsa, corn, and black beans. Mix well and remove from heat.

Layer half of the crushed Doritos on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips.

Sprinkle both shredded cheeses over the beef layer.

Top with the remaining crushed Doritos.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with sliced green onions and any desired toppings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Add a can of diced green chiles for extra heat.

Use Cool Ranch Doritos for a different flavor twist.

Layer in refried beans for a heartier version.

Top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes after baking for a taco salad vibe.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.For best results, reserve extra Doritos for topping after reheating to maintain crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance. Just add the top layer of Doritos right before baking to keep them crunchy.

Can I freeze Doritos Taco Casserole?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the chips. Add fresh Doritos when reheating.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, omit the meat and add extra beans, sautéed peppers, or a meat substitute.

What salsa works best?

Use your favorite jarred salsa—chunky or smooth, mild or spicy based on preference.

Can I add rice to this recipe?

Absolutely, mixing in cooked rice makes it even heartier.

Do I need to cover the casserole while baking?

No, bake it uncovered so the Doritos on top stay crispy.

Can I make it spicier?

Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning to turn up the heat.

Is it gluten-free?

Check labels on taco seasoning, salsa, and Doritos—many brands offer gluten-free options.

What cheese melts best?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt well and add great flavor. Feel free to experiment.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream.

Conclusion

Doritos Taco Casserole is a quick, comforting, and fun way to enjoy all the bold flavors of tacos in a single dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or a crowd, this cheesy, crunchy, flavor-packed casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s a go-to weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for second