Doritos Taco Casserole Recipe

This Doritos Taco Casserole is a cheesy, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for taco night or a family-friendly weeknight dinner. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and crispy Doritos chips come together for a fun twist on traditional tacos. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite toppings, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and crunchy – The perfect combo of creamy, savory filling and crispy Doritos on top.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable – Add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
• Family-friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike.
• Great for leftovers – Tastes just as good the next day!

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• Nacho cheese Doritos (crushed)
• Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• Onion (diced)
• Black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Corn (optional)
• Salsa or diced tomatoes (with green chilies for extra flavor)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Jalapeños (optional, for added heat)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef mixture:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned.
   • Drain any excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes until everything is well combined.
3. Assemble the casserole:
   • Spread a layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Add the beef mixture over the chips and spread evenly.
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Top and serve:
   • Remove from the oven and sprinkle extra crushed Doritos over the top for added crunch.
   • Garnish with sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or use spicy Doritos for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Chicken Taco Casserole: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
• Creamy Twist: Mix ½ cup of sour cream into the beef mixture for a creamier filling.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a healthier twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked or fully baked casserole (without fresh toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of Doritos?

Yes, any Doritos flavor works—try Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or Flamin’ Hot for a twist.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole (without adding the top layer of Doritos) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the chips just before baking for maximum crunch.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative and works perfectly in this recipe.

How do I keep the Doritos crispy?

Add a fresh layer of crushed Doritos on top just before serving to keep the crunch alive.

What toppings go best with taco casserole?

Sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and sliced black olives are all great toppings.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure your taco seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and adds great flavor.

Can I add rice to this dish?

Yes, cooked rice can be mixed into the beef layer for a heartier casserole.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored properly, leftovers will last 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I serve this as a dip instead?

Yes! Serve the meat and cheese mixture over chips and let guests scoop it up with extra Doritos.

Conclusion

This Doritos Taco Casserole is cheesy, crunchy, and bursting with bold taco flavors—perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or spicing up your weeknight dinner routine. With customizable toppings and endless variations, it’s a fun and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it hot and watch it disappear fast!

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