Dorito Casserole

Dorito Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, cheesy, beefy, and loaded with bold flavors. The first time I made this, my kids were wide-eyed and my husband went back for thirds! It’s the kind of dish that feels like a guilty pleasure, but is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a meal that disappears fast.

It brings together the familiar crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos with hearty ground beef and a creamy, cheesy filling that's almost too good to be true. And because it’s so easy to make, it’s become one of my go-to recipes when I need something satisfying on the table in under an hour. The best part? You can tweak it with what you have on hand—add beans, veggies, or swap in different cheeses.

With layers of seasoned beef, creamy soups, and gooey cheese over a crunchy Dorito base, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It's ridiculously simple to make and totally customizable with your favorite toppings. Trust me, once you try this, it'll become part of your regular dinner rotation. It’s also a lifesaver when you need to stretch ingredients to feed a crowd on a budget.

Why You’ll Love Dorito Casserole

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, crunchy layers.
• Quick and easy: Minimal prep and just 30 minutes in the oven.
• Customizable: Add beans, corn, or switch up the protein.
• Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
• Perfect potluck dish: Transportable and always a hit.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
• Comfort food classic: Bold flavors and hearty textures make it a go-to meal.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses canned soups and common ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 bag (14 ounces) Nacho Cheese Doritos, party size
• 1½–2 pounds ground beef
• 1 can (10¾ ounces) cheddar cheese soup
• 1 can (10¾ ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
• 2–3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
• 1 packet taco seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Green onions, diced
• Cherry tomatoes, sliced
• Avocado, sliced, or guacamole
• Salsa
• Pickled jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and cooked through.
   • Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning if using.
   • Let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and diced green chilies.
   • Stir until well blended and smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Crush half the Doritos and spread them evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Add the cooked beef on top of the Doritos.
   • Pour the soup mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle with 1–1½ cups of shredded cheese.
   • Crush and sprinkle the remaining Doritos over the top.
   • Finish with the rest of the cheese for a gooey, golden top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is slightly browned.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes to set.
   • Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, or avocado slices.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans.
• Taco Tuesday Upgrade: Swap taco night with this one-pan wonder.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the full dish in a 325°F oven.
• Freezing: Assemble without the top Dorito layer and freeze. Add a fresh chip topping before baking for best texture.

Helpful Notes

• Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even seasoned lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Make it Spicier: Add a chopped jalapeño, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Stir in corn, black beans, or bell peppers for more nutrition and texture.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat soups, lean meat, and reduced-fat cheese.
• Crunch Control: Reserve some Doritos to add after baking for maximum crunch.
• Prep Tip: Crush Doritos inside the bag with a rolling pin—less mess and faster cleanup!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of chips?
   Yes, but Nacho Cheese Doritos add the best flavor. Try Cool Ranch, spicy varieties, or regular tortilla chips.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
3. Is this freezer-friendly?
   Yes. Freeze before baking without the top Dorito layer. Add chips and cheese when ready to bake.
4. Can I use a different soup?
   Definitely. Cream of mushroom, celery, or even a homemade cheese sauce can work.
5. How do I avoid soggy chips?
   Add a fresh layer of crushed Doritos after baking or only add the top layer during the final minutes in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Dorito Casserole is bold, cheesy, and completely irresistible. It’s easy to throw together and always earns rave reviews. Whether you're feeding a hungry family, cooking for friends, or just craving something cozy and indulgent, this dish checks all the boxes. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines fun flavors with practical prep.

Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new weeknight staple! If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think. Share your photos, leave a comment, or tag me online so I can see your delicious creation!

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