Cheesy Dorito Taco Casserole – A Crunchy, Cheesy Family Favorite
If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking a handful of Doritos while cooking dinner, this recipe is your dream come true. Cheesy Dorito Taco Casserole takes everything you love about taco night—the bold seasoning, melted cheese, creamy layers—and tops it all with the unmistakable crunch of nacho cheese Doritos.
It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast, especially if you have kids (or any Dorito lovers) in the house. It’s layered with perfectly seasoned ground beef, a creamy taco filling, melted cheddar, and crushed chips that stay crunchy right to the last bite. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 30 in the oven, you’ll have a bubbly, golden casserole that smells like pure happiness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, sauté diced onion over medium heat until softened, about 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season: Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Add creamy mix: Reduce heat to low, then stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Mix until everything’s smooth and creamy.
- Layer the casserole:
- Sprinkle half of the crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the chips.
- Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the rest of the crushed Doritos as the final layer.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
- Top and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro over top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Every bite is an explosion of flavors—crispy chips, creamy beef filling, melty cheese, and that classic Dorito spice that makes this casserole so irresistible.
Cozy Kitchen Notes
You know that moment when you bring something to the table and everyone just stares for a second before diving in? That’s this casserole. The smell alone—cheese, tacos, and toasted chips—is enough to bring people running.
It’s also one of those “no leftovers” kind of meals. The chips stay surprisingly crunchy even after baking, and the creamy taco filling keeps it all perfectly balanced. Plus, it reheats beautifully (if there’s any left to reheat).
Cheesy Dorito Taco Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, sauté onion, add beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer until thickened.
- Add soup, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. Stir until creamy.
- Layer half of the crushed Doritos in the dish, then spread beef mixture, cheese, and top with remaining Doritos.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Use spicy Doritos or add diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Add veggies: Corn, black beans, or bell peppers blend in perfectly.
- Swap the meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great.
- Double the cheese: Add a layer of pepper jack between the meat and chips for extra gooeyness.
- Top it off: A drizzle of taco sauce, salsa, or guacamole takes it over the top.
Serving Ideas
Pair your Cheesy Dorito Taco Casserole with:
- A fresh green salad with ranch dressing
- Mexican rice or refried beans
- Extra chips and salsa for crunch
- Iced tea, lemonade, or a chilled lime soda
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze: Assemble without the chips, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Add crushed Doritos right before baking for best texture.
FAQ
Can I use Cool Ranch Doritos?
Yes! Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho both add a fun twist.
Do the chips get soggy?
Not if you layer them correctly—adding a layer on top keeps everything crunchy.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute and use cream of mushroom soup.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance (without the top chips) and refrigerate. Add chips before baking.
A Little History of Dorito Magic
Doritos were invented in the 1960s, but it didn’t take long for creative home cooks to start folding them into recipes. What began as a simple chip turned into a kitchen favorite—topping casseroles, adding crunch to taco salads, and even blending into cheesy dips.
This casserole is a love letter to that crunchy, cheesy spirit. Every spoonful feels like a warm, family-style version of your favorite nachos, baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food with attitude—and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a weeknight classic in so many homes.
