Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dorito Casserole is a deliciously simple dish that combines all the flavors you love in one convenient, easy-to-make casserole. The crunchy Doritos form a flavorful base and topping, while the creamy, cheesy middle layers make each bite melt in your mouth. The seasoned ground beef adds a hearty touch, while the cheese gives it that irresistible gooey goodness. It’s a comfort food that can be made in no time and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
What’s more, you can customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients, making it versatile enough to accommodate different tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy dinner, this Dorito Casserole has got you covered.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 packet taco seasoning mix
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 large bag (9 oz) Doritos (crushed)
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1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Add seasoning and mix: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and kidney beans (if using). Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Make the creamy mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until well mixed.
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Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed Doritos, followed by half of the beef mixture, and then half of the sour cream mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining Doritos, beef mixture, and sour cream mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8 servings
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 30 minutes
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Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Add more veggies: You can include diced bell peppers, corn, or black olives for added texture and flavor.
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Use ground turkey or chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the casserole.
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Spicy version: Add some diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or use spicy Doritos for an extra kick.
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Use different cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
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Make it vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use a combination of beans, corn, and diced vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover Dorito Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: While the casserole can be frozen, the texture of the Doritos may change when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding fresh Doritos as a topping after reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chips instead of Doritos?
Yes! You can use tortilla chips or any crunchy chips you prefer, though Doritos are the traditional choice for that extra flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I make Dorito Casserole without cream of mushroom soup?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup, or even a homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish is mildly spicy due to the taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you like it spicier, you can add some jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Can I use ground beef substitutes?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe. Just make sure to season them properly.
What can I add to the casserole for more flavor?
For extra flavor, you can mix in some chopped green chilies, olives, or even a bit of salsa. Adding a layer of guacamole or sour cream on top before serving also adds a nice touch.
Can I add more cheese?
Definitely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheese to the top or throughout the layers for an extra cheesy casserole.
Can I freeze Dorito Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Dorito Casserole. Make sure it’s cooled completely before freezing in an airtight container. To reheat, bake it in the oven until heated through.
How do I prevent the Doritos from getting too soggy?
To prevent the Doritos from becoming too soggy, be sure to layer them between the beef and sour cream mixture and bake the casserole until the cheese is bubbly. The Doritos will stay slightly crunchy.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
Dorito Casserole is a fun, easy-to-make comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its combination of crunchy Doritos, seasoned beef, creamy layers, and melted cheese, this dish has everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can easily adjust it to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just craving some cheesy goodness, Dorito Casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot!
Dorito Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Dorito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crunchy Doritos, seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, and melted cheese. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings. With customizable ingredients, you can make it as spicy or cheesy as you like, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Try this fun and flavorful casserole tonight!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 packet taco seasoning mix
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 large bag (9 oz) Doritos (crushed)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain excess fat.
-
Add seasoning and mix: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and kidney beans (if using). Simmer for about 5 minutes and then remove from heat.
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Make the creamy mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and cream of mushroom soup until smooth.
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Assemble the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the crushed Doritos, followed by half of the beef mixture, and half of the sour cream mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Bake: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Freezing: While you can freeze the casserole, the texture of the Doritos may change upon reheating. Consider adding fresh Doritos as a topping after reheating.Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. If cold from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
