Description
Doritos taco casserole delivers a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired comfort meal that combines crispy chips, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese. Spicy, cheesy layers promise a quick family dinner packed with bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
Seasoning and Liquid:
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
Tomatoes and Vegetables:
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
Crunch and Garnish:
- 1 bag (9.75 ounces) Nacho Cheese Doritos (slightly crushed)
- ½ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Eliminate excess fat through draining. Infuse the meat with zesty taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmering until the sauce thickens and coats the meat smoothly. Fold in the Rotel tomatoes and allow the flavors to meld for an additional moment.
- Create the first foundation layer by spreading a generous carpet of crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Cascade the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the crunchy base. Distribute a silky layer of sour cream across the meat, ensuring complete coverage. Generously rain down shredded cheese to create a molten blanket. Crown the dish with another layer of crushed Doritos for added crunch.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to integrate. Uncover and return to the oven, letting the cheese transform into a golden, bubbling surface for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Optional: Elevate the presentation by scattering chopped green onions and fresh cilantro across the top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Crush Doritos just before layering to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
- Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning according to personal spice preferences.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free Doritos and checking taco seasoning ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 547
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1123 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg