Dorito Taco Casserole

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe:

My kids beg for Doritos daily, so it only made sense to layer them in a Dorito taco casserole.

Seasoned ground beef is mixed with veggies, salsa, and corn, layered with Colby jack and crushed chips, then baked until hot and bubbly. The top layer of Doritos adds a nice crunch, while the toppings take it over the top. It’s a perfect way to feed a crowd of famished adults and kids. I never leave a party with leftovers.

Quick taco casserole with doritos!
Only 10 minutes of prep time
Customize the spice level
Add your favorite toppings

It’s like a beef taco and a cheesy casserole had a baby. It’s low maintenance, easy to customize, and the perfect vehicle for delicious toppings like sour cream, lettuce, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapenos. My crew loves this dorito taco casserole, and I’m confident yours will too!

a slice of Dorito casserole on a white plate.

Key Ingredient Notes:

Ground beef – We love ground beef around here, but ground turkey works great too! You could also swap with shredded chicken, ground chicken, or ground pork. I recommend ground chuck or ground round for the best flavor.
Taco seasoning – An easy way to boost the flavor of the meat! You can make your own with chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, but I find it easier to just buy the packet.
Veggies – Sweet bell pepper, spicy jalapeno, onion, and crisp-tender corn add texture and a depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
Hot sauce – If you or your kiddos are sensitive to heat, leave out the hot sauce.
Salsa – Buy your favorite brand! It’s a great way to add more heat or texture depending on what you like.
Nacho Cheese Doritos – It’s not a Dorito taco bake without Doritos! Nacho cheese is a well-loved classic, but you can use any flavor. Try cool ranch, flamin hot, or spicy nacho!
Colby jack – A mixture of Colby and Monterey jack cheese has a nice meltability and mild flavor. Shredded cheddar or a fiesta blend work great too!
Toppings – All taco-style toppings are permitted and delicious! Try sour cream, black beans, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, pickled jalapenos, fresh cilantro, green onions, guacamole, salsa, fresh tomatoes, or pico de gallo.

ingredients for taco casserole with doritos.

How to make this recipe:

First preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

1. Make the ground beef filling:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until completely cooked. Stir in the taco seasoning halfway through cooking. Transfer the ground beef to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the diced bell peppers, jalapenos, onion, and corn, then sauté until softened.
Add the ground beef back into the skillet along with the garlic, hot sauce, and salsa.
Stir and cook over medium heat until it simmers and thickens some. Remove the filling from the heat and set aside.

Step by step photos of ground beef and veggies in a skillet with salsa.

2. Assemble Dorito taco bake:

In the bottom of the baking dish, add a layer of crushed Doritos and sprinkle it generously with shredded cheese.
Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly over the Doritos. Add another layer of crushed Doritos and cheese.
Spread the remaining ground beef over the Doritos and sprinkle with more cheese.
Bake the casserole for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Carefully remove it from the oven and top with the remaining crushed Doritos. Bake for 5 minutes.
Let the dorito casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Step by step photos of assembling doritos, cheese, and ground beef in a baking dish.

Time-Saving Tips:

You can assemble the casserole up to 8 hours ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. So if you want a casserole that’s ready to pop into the oven when you get home from work, this one is it!
You can prep the meat filling up to three days ahead of time, then all you have to do is assemble and bake! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.

Storing Tips:

Store any leftover taco casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until hot throughout, or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
You can freeze this taco bake, but you will lose the texture of the Doritos. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a 350 degree oven until hot throughout.

taco casserole with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream on top.

FAQs:

Can I add beans to this taco bake?

Yes! Feel free to add a can of drained black beans or pinto beans to the ground beef mixture. You could also do a layer of refried beans on top of the meat. It’s totally up to you!

What should I serve with taco casserole?

Taco casserole is a great addition to a Mexican inspired feast. You can serve it with cilantro lime rice, refried beans, homemade guacamole, chicken quesadillas, and chips and salsa. Or you can keep it simple and just serve it with plenty of toppings! Think lettuce, tomato, avocado, cilantro, onions, sour cream, and jalapenos!