This Dorito casserole is layers of crushed Dorito tortilla chips, ground beef, salsa and cheese, all baked together to golden brown perfection. An easy dinner option that the whole family will love!
I’m all about the hearty casseroles, my family’s favorites include beef noodle casserole, chicken and rice casserole, and this Mexican style Dorito casserole. This unique dish is quick to assemble and tastes just like tacos!
There’s nothing better than a hot, cheesy casserole on a cold day. This Dorito casserole is always a huge hit in my house, my kids always get so excited when it’s on the menu. I don’t blame them, chips for dinner is always a good thing!
How do you make Dorito casserole?
This recipe starts with ground beef, which is cooked with onions, taco seasoning and salsa to form the base of the casserole. The ground beef mixture gets mixed with sour cream, and then is layered in a casserole dish with crushed Dorito chips and cheese. The casserole goes into the oven to bake, and then is finished off with diced tomatoes and green onions.
Tips for Dorito casserole
- You want to crush your chips into 1/2 inch pieces – if you make them too small, they’ll turn into mush in the casserole.
- I use 90% lean ground beef – it has plenty of flavor but isn’t overly greasy.
- You can use any flavor Doritos you like, I typically make this dish with the nacho cheese flavored chips.
- I use a blend of cheddar and jack cheese for this casserole – other great choices would be a Mexican style blend or pepper jack cheese.
- You can garnish your casserole with a variety of toppings. I typically serve my Dorito casserole with sour cream, diced tomatoes and green onions. Other great options are chopped cilantro, olives and avocado.
Can you make Dorito casserole in advance?
You can assemble this casserole up to 6 hours before you plan to bake it. Place yous covered casserole in the fridge until it’s time to put it in the oven. You may need to increase the baking time to compensate for starting with a cold casserole.
Dorito Casserole Variations
There are so many ways to change up this Dorito casserole to suit your tastes, the possibilities are endless!
- Tortilla Chips: Substitute your favorite tortilla chips instead of flavored Doritos.
- Spicy: Use hot salsa and pepper jack cheese.
- Veggies: Add 1 finely diced bell pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Protein: Use ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of the beef.
I have to admit, I was skeptical the first time I made this one. Dorito chips, in casserole form? Trust me though, it really works! It’s like eating a super delicious taco with fixings. I often bring this casserole to potlucks and it always disappears instantly! If you like Mexican food, you’ll enjoy Dorito casserole.
More great casserole recipes
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
- Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Loaded Corn Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Dorito Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese I used cheddar and Monterey Jack
- 4 cups Dorito chips I used nacho cheese flavor
- 1/2 cup tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- cooking spray
- sour cream, cilantro and other taco toppings for serving optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 2-3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the beef and cook for 4-5 minutes or until just browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
- Add the onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until onion is translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and red salsa. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream.
- Lightly crush the Doritos. Spread 1/3 of the chips over the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 1/2 of the meat mixture on top of the chips, then add 1/3 of the cheese in an even layer.
- Repeat the process with another 1/3 of the chips, the rest of the meat, and 1/3 of the cheese.
- Add the remaining chips, then the final layer of cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Sprinkle the tomatoes and green onions over the casserole, then serve. Top with additional taco flavorings such as sour cream, olives, etc. if desired.
L. Wilson says
Thank you! I used to make something similar but knew the kids would like Doritos. Added corn and lack beans and used ground turkey.
LINDA says
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF YOU CAN FREEZE THE DORITO CASSEROLE???
Tiffany Y Hannah says
It doesn’t seem like it would be any good when it defrosts. I’ve never tried it but I will if we have leftovers and post my results.
Nate says
Yes, it can be frozen. I’ve done it twice already as it makes a lot of casserole for the two of us. I just let it cool, cut the casserole into sections, and use a spatula to put the portion in a freezer bag and throw it in the freezer. Just microwave until heated thoroughly (165 degrees) and enjoy.
Cindy Martinez says
I made this meal and it was very good I love to cook and I love new recipes and cassorel thankyou.
thank you.
Angela king says
Can u I cover with something else? I have no foil.
Sara says
Any oven safe cover is fine!
Ruby says
Ty for the recipe….my family likes it alot even my picky eater lol…..
Kathy Atkins says
I made t and we liked it alot. We liked it and I plan on making it again. The texture was great. Not runny, and the tomatoes and green onions make it beautiful. Thank you for the recipe.
Gabby says
Can I freeze this ahead if time?
Sara says
You can just be aware that the chips will soften and not be crunchy anymore!
Michele Oldham says
Game this casserole at least a dozen times one of our favorite ty do much for this receipe
Susan says
Could you add a layer of refried beans . On top of meat mixture?
Sara says
Yes that would work!
René Mallandain says
Laval, QC, Canada le 8 octobre 2019
Bonjour Sara,
Je suis retenu à la maison par le fait que ma douce moitié est en début d’Alzheimer. Je dois faire tous les repas depuis environ 2 ans pour elle et pour moi et je vous dis que vous êtes la meilleure présentatrice de cuisine que j’ai consulté jusqu’à présent. Merci pour votre aide immense.
René
Jaimie says
I’m wondering what kind of salsa did you use?
Sara says
A jarred mild salsa such as Pace works well!
Becky says
Amazing casserole! ! We all love it !! ❤❤ 2nd time making it was tonight
Tammy says
Finally a casserole recipe that doesn’t have a cream soup in it! Going to make this tonight
Ellesse says
Made tonight it was delish thank you
Joy says
The recipe calls for 1 cup sour cream but I don’t see where you added that anywhere. I thought it was for toppings but you added that as an option at the end does sour cream go in the layers??
Sara says
It’s listed in step 5!
Nina says
I recently made some Mexican food and everyone loved it. I need to try this recipe soon! It looks amazing!
Monidipa Dutta says
The recipe sounds really great and truly it is worth a try. And I will give it a try.
Preet says
I love finding a new recipe to try. I’m always so scared I am going to mess it up somehow. This looks easy enough for me though. Thanks!
Julie says
Oh my goodness, Doritos are my favorites and I can have them with meat, extra cheese and other toppings? Great combination
Susan says
Do you think next time I could add a layer of refried beans or would it be runny?
Sara says
That should be fine!