Name: Taco Doritos Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; ½ cup water; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 4 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, slightly crushed; Optional toppings: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. The crushed Doritos add an irresistible crunch, while the taco-seasoned beef and creamy filling give it a rich, satisfying bite. It’s easy to customize with different toppings, and it’s just as good reheated the next day. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

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

Ground beef (or ground turkey)
Taco seasoning
Onion (diced)
Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a richer flavor)
Sour cream
Nacho cheese Doritos (crushed slightly)
Shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, jalapeños, salsa, sour cream

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet, I cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned.
I drain any excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, cream soup, and sour cream until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, I add a layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom.
I spread half of the beef mixture over the Doritos, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese.
I repeat with another layer of Doritos, the remaining beef mixture, and finish with more cheese on top.
I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I serve hot, adding my favorite toppings right before eating.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, baking time is 20–25 minutes, and the whole dish is ready in about 30–35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for shredded chicken and use cream of cheddar soup for a chicken taco version.
For extra heat, I use spicy Doritos or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
I’ve layered in black beans or corn to bulk it up and add more texture.
If I want it creamier, I mix in a little extra sour cream or cream cheese before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I bake at 325°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions. The chips lose some crunch after reheating, so I sometimes sprinkle fresh Doritos on top before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. I add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it starts cold.

Do I have to use Doritos?

No, tortilla chips work fine, but Doritos add that signature cheesy flavor.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I use seasoned black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat substitute in place of beef.

How do I keep the Doritos crunchy?

I add some of the chips right before serving and don’t overmix them into the filling to help preserve their texture.

Can I freeze this casserole?

I don’t recommend freezing fully assembled because the chips get soggy, but I freeze the meat mixture separately and assemble fresh when ready to bake.

Conclusion

Taco Doritos casserole is a bold, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. With its crunchy Doritos layers, savory beef filling, and melty cheese, it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast. Whether I’m cooking for my family or bringing it to a get-together, it’s always a hit.