I love how easy and customizable this casserole is. It’s got all the flavors of tacos, but baked into one bubbly, golden dish. The Doritos add that perfect crunch, while the cheesy beef mixture keeps it rich and comforting. I can prep it ahead, tweak the ingredients to fit what I have, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. It’s bold, hearty, and full of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb lean ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
1 cup canned or frozen corn
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, sour cream, or guacamole
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, I cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. I drain any excess grease.
I stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and corn. I let it simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors come together.
I remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
I spread half the crushed Doritos into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
I layer the beef mixture on top of the chips, then sprinkle the remaining Doritos over the top.
I finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, spreading it evenly over the top layer.
I bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I let it cool slightly, then add any fresh toppings before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef.
For a spicy kick, I add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use spicy Doritos.
I mix in black beans or refried beans to make it heartier.
If I’m short on time, I skip the sour cream and just layer with cheese.
I top it with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheating: I reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings. The chips soften slightly but it’s still delicious. Freezer: This dish doesn’t freeze well once assembled, but I freeze the beef mixture on its own and add fresh Doritos when baking later.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the beef mixture ahead, store it in the fridge, and assemble the casserole just before baking so the chips stay crisp.
What kind of Doritos work best?
I usually use Nacho Cheese Doritos, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho also taste great in this recipe.
Can I make this without meat?
Definitely. I use a plant-based ground or load it up with beans, corn, and veggies for a vegetarian version.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
I bake it just until hot and bubbly and serve it right away. I also avoid over-saucing the meat mixture so it doesn’t soak through the chips too much.
What should I serve with this?
I pair it with a simple salad, black beans, or a side of Spanish rice for a full meal.
Conclusion
Taco Doritos Casserole Bake is bold, fun, and completely crave-worthy. I love how it combines all the best taco flavors into one cheesy, crunchy dish. It’s fast, family-friendly, and always hits the spot. Whether it’s taco night or game day, this casserole is sure to steal the show.z
This taco Doritos casserole bake is loaded with seasoned beef, corn, tomatoes, and melty cheese, all layered over crunchy Doritos. A bold, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in 35 minutes.
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:Serves 6
Category:Main Course, Casserole
Method:Baking, One-Pan
Cuisine:Tex-Mex, American Fusion
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), undrained
1 cup canned or frozen corn
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
1 (9.75 oz) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
Optional Toppings:
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Chopped green onions
Sour cream
Guacamole
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and corn. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheese.
Spread half of the crushed Doritos into the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer the beef mixture over the chips. Top with remaining Doritos.
Sprinkle the final 1 cup of cheese evenly on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly, then top with desired fresh toppings and serve.
Notes
Use ground turkey or shredded chicken as a substitute for beef.
Spicy Doritos or added jalapeños can turn up the heat.
Mix in black beans or refried beans to stretch the meal.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime juice, or avocado for extra flavor.
Assemble just before baking to keep chips crunchy.
