Layers of bold, cheesy goodness, this Dorito casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. It’s a family favorite that’s quick to prep and always gets devoured.
Crushed Doritos, savory beef, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese come together in a crave-worthy bake. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you just need a cheesy fix.
Key Players in This Dorito Casserole
- Ground beef – Savory and hearty, this forms the flavorful base that brings all the layers together.
- Taco seasoning – Packed with smoky, zesty spices that give the beef a classic Tex-Mex flavor.
- Red salsa – Adds moisture, tang, and a kick of spice to the meat mixture.
- Sour cream – Creamy and cool, it balances the heat and adds richness to the filling.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar & Monterey Jack) – Melts beautifully for a gooey, golden topping.
- Nacho cheese Doritos – The star ingredient! Crunchy, cheesy chips add flavor and texture in every bite.
- Tomatoes & green onions – Fresh garnishes that add a juicy pop and vibrant color to the final dish.
How to Build This Flavor Bomb of a Casserole
Start by browning ground beef in olive oil, then stir in onion, taco seasoning, and red salsa for a simmer of bold flavor.
Off the heat, blend in sour cream to create a rich, creamy mixture. Now comes the layering: start with crushed Doritos, then the beef, then cheese—repeat.
Top with a final cheesy layer, cover, and bake. Uncover for the last few minutes to achieve that perfect bubbly, golden top.
Garnish with fresh tomatoes and green onions, then serve hot with your favorite taco toppings.
Tricks, Twists & Tasty Tips
For a spicy variation, use hot salsa or add a dash of cayenne to the beef. Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho Doritos make delicious swaps for different flavor profiles.
To sneak in some veggies, add a layer of black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers between the meat and cheese. The casserole is super adaptable—swap the beef for shredded chicken or a plant-based ground to fit your dietary needs.
Don’t crush the Doritos too small—roughly ½-inch pieces hold their crunch best. And feel free to sprinkle on extras like jalapeños, black olives, or avocado for a loaded finish.
Leftover Love: Storing Your Dorito Casserole
To keep your Dorito casserole tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to revive the crispy texture.
Avoid microwaving directly unless you’re okay with softer chips—still tasty, just a little less crunchy. For longer storage, freeze individual portions tightly wrapped for up to a month, then reheat in the oven for best results.
Dorito Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 90% lean preferred
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups red salsa
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar and Monterey Jack
- 4 cups nacho cheese flavored Doritos lightly crushed
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Cooking spray
- Optional toppings: sour cream cilantro, olives, and other taco condiments
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and coat a 2–3 quart baking dish with cooking spray. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula and cooking until lightly browned, approximately 4–5 minutes. Incorporate diced onion and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until translucent. Blend in taco seasoning and red salsa, allowing the mixture to simmer for about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream until evenly combined.
- Slightly crush the Doritos to roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Distribute one-third of the chips across the base of the baking dish. Layer with half of the beef mixture and then spread one-third of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat layers: one-third of the chips, remaining beef, and another third of the cheese. Top with the last portion of chips and finish with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Garnish with diced tomatoes and sliced green onions. Serve immediately, offering optional toppings such as sour cream and cilantro for enhanced flavor.
