Name: Dorito Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 party-sized bag Doritos; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 1 lb ground beef; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 can Rotel tomatoes; 8 oz sour cream; 1 package taco seasoning; 1 (13.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

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If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and slightly zesty dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, you’ve come to the right place! This Dorito Casserole is packed with layers of flavor, combining the crunch of Doritos with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a rich creamy base. It’s easy to make, and everyone will be asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just craving something delicious for dinner, this casserole is an absolute winner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Dorito Casserole

This Dorito Casserole isn’t just any casserole—it’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Simple & Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.
Flavor-packed: The combination of savory seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and crunchy Doritos creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s sure to please everyone.
Customizable: You can make this casserole your own by adjusting the ingredients to fit your tastes. Add veggies, swap out proteins, or choose a different kind of cheese. It’s versatile and fun!
Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults!) love it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the dinner table, making it a great option for family meals or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy, crunchy casserole:

Ground Beef: The hearty base of the casserole. Ground beef adds a savory depth and richness to the dish.
Doritos: The star ingredient that gives this casserole its signature crunch and flavor. Use classic Nacho Cheese Doritos for the best taste!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and binds everything together. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can use cream of chicken or cream of celery instead.
Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy element that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and beef.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese mix works great for melting and creating that cheesy goodness on top.
Taco Seasoning: For that zesty, flavorful kick. It gives the ground beef just the right amount of seasoning and spice.
Chopped Onion (Optional): For added flavor and texture, though you can skip it if you prefer a simpler casserole.
Chopped Jalapeños (Optional): For a little heat! Add these if you like your casserole with a spicy twist.

(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how you’ll make this mouthwatering casserole:

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. As it cooks, crumble it into small pieces. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease and return the beef to the skillet.
Add the Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Mix until the seasoning is well distributed. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the flavors meld together.
Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of Doritos at the bottom. You don’t need to crush them too finely—just break them into large pieces. Top with half of the beef mixture, then sprinkle more Doritos on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture and Doritos.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it to make sure the Doritos don’t burn around the edges.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if you’d like, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Total Carbs: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Net Carbs: 28g
Fat: 22g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Dorito Casserole

This Dorito Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with various sides to complete your dinner:

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole.
Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice to keep the Mexican flavors going strong.
Sautéed Veggies: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn are perfect complements.
Guacamole and Salsa: For some extra flavor, serve your casserole with homemade guacamole and salsa on the side.

Additional Tips

Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for black beans or a meat substitute to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños to the casserole for a spicy kick or sprinkle chili flakes on top of the cheese before baking.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just bake it, let it cool, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of chip besides Doritos?
A1: You can use any tortilla chips you like, but the classic Nacho Cheese Doritos really give it that signature flavor and crunch.

Q2: Can I make this casserole without sour cream?
A2: Yes, if you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can substitute it with more cream of mushroom soup or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Q3: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A3: Add more taco seasoning or throw in some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or as a topping for a spicier kick.

Q4: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A4: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative like tempeh or tofu.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, or microwave if you’re in a rush.

Q6: Can I freeze Dorito casserole?
A6: Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A7: Of course! Feel free to swap out cheddar for Mexican blend cheese, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for some extra heat.

Q8: Can I skip the onion?
A8: Yes, if you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out. The casserole will still be delicious!

Q9: Can I make this without cream of mushroom soup?
A9: Yes, you can use cream of chicken soup, or even make your own creamy base with milk, butter, and flour if you prefer to avoid canned soups.

Q10: How can I make this casserole more flavorful?
A10: Experiment with adding taco seasoning, hot sauce, or fresh herbs like cilantro for extra flavor. You could also top the casserole with some freshly sliced avocado or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist.

Conclusion

Dorito Casserole is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and crunchy, making it an instant favorite for any dinner table. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and completely customizable, so everyone will love it. Whether you serve it for a weeknight meal or as a crowd-pleasing dish at your next get-together, this casserole is bound to become a new family classic. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s so irresistible!