Craving something cheesy, meaty, and totally satisfying? This Ground Beef Doritos Casserole is a comfort food dream that brings together bold Tex-Mex flavors, creamy layers, and the irresistible crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a no-fuss meal everyone will love it’s fast, filling, and always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: Taco-seasoned beef, melty cheese, and zesty salsa.
Crunchy & Creamy: That magical combo of crispy chips and gooey casserole.
Easy to Make: Simple pantry staples, one pan, and done.
Kid-Approved: Doritos and cheese? Say less.
Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy)

For the Casserole Layers

– 1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
– Fresh chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until the meat is browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add Flavor

Stir in taco seasoning, water, Rotel, and salsa. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend.

4. Mix the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, stir together the cream soup and sour cream until smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole

In the greased baking dish, layer half the Doritos on the bottom.
Spoon the creamy mixture over the chips.
Top with the beef mixture, then sprinkle 1 cup of cheese.
Add the remaining Doritos and top with the rest of the cheese.

6. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

7. Garnish & Serve

Top with cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or a fresh salad on the side.

Prep Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

– Fresh Green Salad: A light counterbalance to the rich casserole.
– Mexican Street Corn: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect sidekick.
– Black Beans or Rice: Serve on the side or layered into the casserole for more bulk.
– Hot Sauce or Jalapeños: Add heat for spice lovers!

Tips and Variations

– Make It Spicy: Use spicy Doritos and hot salsa.
– Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.
– Double It: Great for feeding a crowd or freezing in portions.
– Cream Soup Options: Cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup also work great.
– Customize the Cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a spicy cheddar blend add fun flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

2. Will the Doritos stay crispy?
They’ll soften slightly during baking but still keep a great texture add extra crushed Doritos on top for a crispier bite.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

4. What can I use instead of Doritos?
Tortilla chips work in a pinch, but Doritos add a signature flavor you’ll miss!

5. Is it gluten-free?
Check the labels on your cream soup and taco seasoning many brands offer gluten-free options.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

7. Can I add veggies?
Absolutely try corn, bell peppers, or black olives mixed in with the beef layer.

8. What cheese melts best?
Cheddar is classic, but for extra gooey goodness, blend in mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

9. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
You can assemble and warm on low in the slow cooker for 2–3 hours, though the chips will soften more.

10. How many servings does this make?
About 6–8 hearty servings, depending on portion size.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef Doritos Casserole is pure comfort in a dish easy to whip up, impossible to resist, and totally customizable. Whether you’re hosting game night or just feeding a hungry family, this creamy, cheesy, crunchy bake is sure to become a new go-to favorite.

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