Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Doritos Taco Casserole is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that layers seasoned ground beef, cheese, and crunchy Doritos for a Tex-Mex-inspired meal that’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. With its cheesy, crunchy texture and bold taco flavors, this casserole is a weeknight dinner winner.

ingredients

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

ground beeftaco seasoningwateronion (diced)black beans (drained and rinsed)canned corn (drained)diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)cream of chicken soup (or sour cream as an alternative)shredded cheddar cheeseNacho Cheese Doritos (crushed)green onions (optional for topping)

directions

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

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion until softened.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

Stir in taco seasoning and water, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, and cream of chicken soup (or sour cream), mixing until combined.

Layer half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the baking dish.

Spread the beef mixture evenly over the Doritos layer.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese, then add the remaining Doritos on top.

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

Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of ground beef.

Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

Mix in a layer of refried beans for extra richness.

Swap out cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican blend cheese.

Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.Note: The Doritos will soften when stored, but the flavor remains delicious.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Can I use different flavors of Doritos?

Absolutely—Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho work great too.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a homemade white sauce are great substitutes.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not very, but you can adjust the heat by using hot Rotel or adding chili flakes.

Can I freeze this casserole?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Will the Doritos stay crunchy?

They will be slightly softened after baking, especially once stored, but still add texture and flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and double the beans or use a plant-based meat substitute.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Serve right after baking and avoid overloading it with wet ingredients.

What toppings go well with this?

Sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, olives, and avocado all make great additions.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan or two dishes to accommodate the volume.

Conclusion

Doritos Taco Casserole is a bold, satisfying meal that brings all the flavors of a taco night into one easy-to-bake dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game days, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to customize and even easier to love.