Dorito Casserole with Ground Beef

This hearty Dorito casserole combines the bold flavors of nacho cheese chips with seasoned ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to gooey perfection. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that transforms a favorite snack food into a satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made this casserole when my teenage nephews were visiting, and it disappeared faster than any other dish I'd prepared that week. Now it's my go-to recipe whenever I need a guaranteed dinner win with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Nacho Cheese Doritos: the star of the show, providing that unmistakable cheesy crunch and flavor base
• Ground beef: use 80/20 for the best flavor balance, but leaner works if preferred
• Cheddar cheese soup: creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats everything perfectly
• Cream of chicken soup: adds depth and creaminess without overpowering the cheese flavor
• Evaporated milk: produces a silkier texture than regular milk, with a slight richness
• Diced green chilies: provides a gentle heat and authentic Southwestern touch
• Shredded Mexican cheese: opt for a quality blend with both yellow and white cheeses for best melt
• Taco seasoning: optional but recommended for an extra layer of flavor in the beef

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Meat:

Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure proper cooking temperature. Brown the ground beef in a large pan over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned with no pink remaining, carefully drain the excess fat. If using taco seasoning, sprinkle it over the meat now and stir well to incorporate all those delicious spices.

Create the Cheese Sauce:

Add both cans of soup, the evaporated milk, and the can of diced green chilies to your ground beef. Stir continuously to combine everything into a smooth, creamy mixture. Allow this to simmer over medium heat until bubbling around the edges, which activates the thickening agents in the soups. The consistency should be pourable but not runny.

Build the First Layer:

Spray your 9x13" baking dish thoroughly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Pour half the bag of Doritos into the bottom of the dish. Gently crush them with your hands just enough to create a relatively flat layer while still maintaining some structure. Avoid pulverizing them completely as you want some texture in your finished casserole.

Add Meat and Cheese:

Carefully spoon half of your meat and cheese sauce mixture over the Dorito layer, spreading it evenly to cover all the chips. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded Mexican cheese across the top of the meat mixture, ensuring even coverage. Add extra cheese if desired for an even gooier result.

Complete the Layers:

Repeat the entire process with a second layer of slightly crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining meat mixture and another generous layer of shredded cheese on top. This final cheese layer will create that beautiful golden, bubbly crust everyone loves.

Bake to Perfection:

Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt completely and begin bubbling around the edges. The casserole should be heated through entirely with slightly crispy edges that signal it's ready to serve.

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The green chilies are my secret ingredient in this recipe. They add just enough warmth without making it spicy, and their slightly tangy flavor balances the richness of the cheeses perfectly. My husband initially questioned them, but now considers them essential to the dish's signature flavor.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. While the Doritos soften somewhat overnight, they maintain enough texture to remain enjoyable. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes to re-crisp the top. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but won't restore any crispness to the chips.

Customizing Your Casserole

Feel free to adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or pantry. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version, while vegetarian crumbles work beautifully for a meatless option. For those who enjoy heat, add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture or use spicy nacho cheese Doritos instead. The soup base can also be modified Cool Ranch Doritos pair wonderfully with cream of mushroom soup instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this casserole into a complete Tex-Mex feast by offering an array of fresh toppings. Set out bowls of sour cream, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado chunks or guacamole, and your favorite salsa. A simple side salad with cilantro-lime dressing makes a perfect accompaniment, balancing the richness of the casserole with fresh vegetables. For drinks, consider serving Mexican sodas or a pitcher of homemade limeade.

Make It A Meal Prep Solution

This casserole adapts wonderfully to make-ahead schedules. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole for up to three months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of Doritos should I use?

Nacho cheese Doritos work best, but you can experiment with other flavors for variety.

→ Can I substitute ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option. Vegetarian alternatives like crumbled tofu or plant-based crumbles also work.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

→ What toppings pair well with this casserole?

Great toppings include sour cream, diced green onions, sliced cherry tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor and texture.