Cheesy Dorito Taco Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it combines simple ingredients into a bold, crave-worthy dinner. The Doritos add a cheesy crunch, the taco-seasoned beef mixture is creamy and flavorful, and the gooey melted cheese ties it all together. It’s versatile too—I can add beans, veggies, or spice it up depending on my mood. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour with very little effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade mix)

• 1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend), divided

• 1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed

• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, avocado, salsa

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. In a skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.

3. I stir in taco seasoning and prepare it according to package directions with a little water.

4. I add cream of chicken soup and sour cream to the beef mixture, stirring until creamy.

5. In the casserole dish, I spread half of the crushed Doritos on the bottom.

6. I layer the beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.

7. I finish with the remaining Doritos and the rest of the cheese.

8. I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. I serve warm with my favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking, for a total time of 40 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add black beans, corn, or diced green chilies to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.

• Using spicy Doritos or pepper jack cheese gives it a kick.

• For a lighter version, I use ground turkey and reduced-fat sour cream.

• I’ve swapped the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or even cream of cheddar soup for a different flavor.

• For a fun twist, I top it with fresh guacamole after baking.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions. To keep the chips crisp, the oven works best. It’s also freezer-friendly—I assemble it without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and then bake just before serving.

Do I have to use Doritos?

No, I can use tortilla chips, but Doritos add extra flavor and crunch that makes it special.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I replace the beef with black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.

What toppings go best with this casserole?

I love adding shredded lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, jalapeños, or avocado for freshness.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Yes, I often mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano for a homemade seasoning blend.

Conclusion

This cheesy Dorito taco casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its layers of creamy taco beef, melted cheese, and crunchy Doritos, it’s the kind of recipe I turn to when I want something fun, flavorful, and filling. Once I tried it, I knew it would become a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation.

Would you like me to also create a kid-friendly version of this casserole (less spicy, with hidden veggies) for families?