Name: Beef Dorito Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 cup salsa; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 5 cups nacho cheese Doritos, crushed; optional toppings: green onions, jalapeños, black olives, diced tomatoes

If you’re craving a bold and cheesy dinner that delivers serious comfort food vibes, this Beef Dorito Casserole is the perfect pick. It’s loaded with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy salsa-infused sauce, melty cheese, and the irresistible crunch of nacho cheese Doritos. This is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into a dinner to remember.

Each bite is packed with the flavor of tacos but in the form of a bubbly, oven-baked casserole. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and always a hit at potlucks or gatherings. Best of all, it’s easy to make and customizable to whatever toppings or add-ins you love most.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Dorito Casserole

This casserole is everything you want in a one-dish dinner. It’s rich and satisfying, yet still manages to bring a little playfulness with those layers of crushed Doritos. It hits that perfect balance between creamy and crunchy, and it’s made with pantry staples that are easy to keep on hand. You can prep it ahead, reheat it like a dream, and tweak it to make it spicier or more veggie-packed.

What Kind of Doritos Should I Use?

Nacho cheese Doritos are the go-to classic for this casserole, giving you that signature cheesy zing and crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with seasoned beef and melted cheese. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you could totally try other flavors like Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili to give the dish a different twist.

Ingredients for the Beef Dorito Casserole

The magic of this recipe is how a few basic ingredients come together into a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ground beef brings heartiness and savory flavor to the base.

Taco seasoning amps up the beef with smoky, bold spices that make this dish taste like a taco in casserole form.

Onion adds depth and a slight sweetness once sautéed with the beef.

Salsa gives the dish moisture and flavor, working as a quick, no-fuss sauce.

Cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and ties everything together without overpowering the flavor.

Sour cream gives the filling a creamy, tangy kick.

Shredded cheddar cheese melts into gooey, cheesy perfection in every layer.

Nacho cheese Doritos give crunch and flavor, acting like a crispy, cheesy base and topping.

Optional toppings like green onions, jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, or black olives let everyone dress up their serving just the way they like.

How To Make the Beef Dorito Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a generous layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom, followed by half the beef mixture. Sprinkle a layer of cheddar cheese, then repeat with more Doritos, the rest of the beef mixture, and another layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake the casserole uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and everything is hot and bubbly.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve warm and dig into the cheesy, beefy goodness.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Casserole

This Beef Dorito Casserole feeds around 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for families or casual get-togethers. Serve it hot from the oven, with extra toppings on the side so everyone can customize their plate. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad or a bowl of seasoned rice.

Leftovers keep beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top if you want that just-baked feel again.

If you’d like to freeze it, assemble everything except the top layer of Doritos and cheese. Add those just before baking once thawed, to keep the crunch alive.

What to Serve With Beef Dorito Casserole?

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A tangy, creamy corn salad is a bright and fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Cilantro Lime Rice

The citrusy kick of lime and fresh cilantro pairs beautifully with the cheesy beef layers.

Refried Beans

Classic and comforting, a side of refried beans adds extra protein and texture.

Avocado Salsa or Guacamole

Cool and creamy avocado is the perfect contrast to the spice and crunch of this dish.

Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

A spicy-sweet bread that makes a great addition on the side or even crumbled on top.

Shredded Lettuce and Diced Tomato

Serve a fresh salad-style topping to lighten things up a bit and add crispness.

Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies

For dessert, go all-in with this indulgent and cinnamon-sweet treat Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies【5†source】.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If you can’t get enough of this cheesy, crunchy bake, check out these other creative and comforting casserole recipes:

No Peek Chicken Casserole for a foolproof dinner that practically cooks itself.
Mexican White Trash Casserole for another Dorito-inspired favorite.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole if you’re craving something hearty and low-carb.
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole when you’re in the mood for creamy comfort with a Tex-Mex twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments. Did you go for spicy Doritos or keep it classic? Add extra toppings? I love seeing how you all make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated cheesy comfort food recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight win!

Conclusion

This Beef Dorito Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s playful yet satisfying, cheesy but balanced, and always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a make-ahead meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this casserole is ready to become a new favorite at your table.