Dorito Casserole is a fun and delicious dish that brings bold flavors and a crunch you can’t resist. Packed with ground beef, creamy sauces, and topped with everyone’s favorite Nacho Cheese Doritos, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. First, it combines classic taco flavors that are always a hit. Second, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. You can prepare it quickly on a busy weeknight or for a crowd on the weekend. Plus, the kids love the crunchy Doritos, making it a family favorite.
How to Make Dorito Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 package taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 1 cup salsa (I like Newman’s Own)
- 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I used half white cheddar and half sharp cheddar)
- 1 bag (9.75 ounces) Nacho Cheese Doritos
- Garnishes for serving: chopped green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and halved cherry tomatoes
Directions
- Prep your tools: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, like PAM.
- Cook the meat: Add ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir and break it into pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned. Drain the fat.
- Add flavorings: Add garlic to the ground beef and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the beef mixture. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook while stirring for about 2 minutes until well combined.
- Make the meat mixture: Remove the beef from heat and stir in the cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- Assemble the casserole: Place 1/3 of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the baking dish. Cover with 1/2 of the meat mixture and 1/3 of the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, meat, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of chips and cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted on top.
- Finish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, or any other taco toppings you like, and serve.
How to Serve Dorito Casserole
Serve your Dorito Casserole hot from the oven. It works well as a main dish. You can add toppings like chopped green onions, cilantro, or halved cherry tomatoes to make it even more appealing. Offer extra salsa or guacamole on the side for those who want an added kick.
How to Store Dorito Casserole
Let the casserole cool completely before storing it. Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze the casserole; just cover it tightly. It will last in the freezer for up to three months.
Tips to Make Dorito Casserole
- For added flavor, consider using a spicier salsa or adding jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Experiment with different cheeses based on your taste preferences.
- If you want a crunchier topping, you can add more crushed Doritos on top just before serving.
Variation
You can easily customize this casserole. Try using shredded chicken or turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter option. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I use other types of chips?
- Absolutely! You can use your favorite type of chips, like Cool Ranch Doritos or even tortilla chips for a different taste.
- What can I serve with Dorito Casserole?
- It pairs well with a side salad, corn, or even some homemade guacamole and chips for a complete meal.
Dorito Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 ounce package taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa Recommended brand: Newman’s Own
- 10.5 ounces can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese Mix of half white cheddar and half sharp cheddar
- 1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos 9.75 ounces
Garnishes for Serving
- chopped green onions
- chopped fresh cilantro
- halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Cooking the Meat
- Add ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain the fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Mix in taco seasoning and salsa. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until well combined.
Assembling the Casserole
- Remove the meat mixture from heat and stir in cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
- Layer 1/3 of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Add half of the meat mixture followed by 1/3 of the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of chips, meat, and cheese. Top with remaining chips and cheese.
Baking
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serving
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, or other taco toppings as desired.
