Dorito Casserole Recipe

If your family loves bold flavors and cheesy comfort food, this Dorito Casserole is sure to be a new favorite. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that layers crispy Nacho Cheese Doritos with seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, and gooey melted cheese. It’s like taco night met a cheesy casserole and fell in love!

Perfect for potlucks, game day, or busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly and feeds a crowd. You can customize the spice level and add your favorite toppings to make it just right for your table. It's cheesy, crunchy, and packed with flavor in every bite. With its simple prep and satisfying outcome, it’s a meal that both kids and adults will request again and again.

Even better, this casserole is flexible enough to fit into any meal plan. You can prep it ahead, freeze it for later, or bake it up fresh for an impromptu dinner with friends. Serve it with a side salad and you've got a full meal with minimal fuss. It’s an all-in-one comfort dish that never fails to deliver smiles.

Why You’ll Love Dorito Casserole

• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for the nacho-cheese crunch.
• Comforting and Filling: Hearty enough for dinner, with plenty of leftovers.
• Quick to Prepare: Simple ingredients and fast assembly.
• Customizable: Add jalapeños, beans, or even corn for a twist.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Ideal for game day or casual gatherings.
• Freezer-Friendly: Great for meal prep and storing extras.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup with just one casserole pan.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at potlucks and parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

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

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Diced green onions
• Sliced cherry tomatoes
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa
• Jalapeño slices
• Fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef:
   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.
   • Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning if using. Simmer with 2–3 tablespoons of water to let flavors blend.
3. Mix the Sauce:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and diced green chilies.
   • Add the seasoned beef to the sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Lightly crush half of the Doritos and layer them evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   • Spread half of the beef and sauce mixture over the Doritos.
   • Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
   • Repeat with remaining crushed Doritos, beef mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes.
   • Serve warm with a simple side salad or some seasoned rice.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve Warm: This casserole is best hot and gooey from the oven.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Microwave individual servings or warm covered in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
• Freeze: To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Portion Smart: Cut into squares before serving to help control portions and make it easy to dish out.

Helpful Notes

• Spice It Up: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in nutrition with corn, black beans, or chopped bell peppers.
• Meat Options: Substitute with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even a vegetarian crumble.
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to use cheddar, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for variety.
• Dorito Variations: Use Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos for a different flavor profile.
• Layer Tip: For extra crunch, reserve some Doritos to sprinkle on just before the final 10-minute bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use different chips?
   Yes, though Nacho Cheese Doritos provide the signature flavor. Tortilla chips or flavored chips can also be used.
3. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
   Cream of mushroom or celery works well. You can also make a homemade roux-based cheese sauce.
4. How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
   Bake uncovered during the final 10–15 minutes to crisp the top layer. Avoid oversaturating the chips with sauce.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely. Use two 9x13-inch pans or one deep roasting pan. Adjust bake time as needed.
6. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Yes! Use a plant-based meat substitute and veggie-based soups.

Final Thoughts

Dorito Casserole is a fun, filling meal that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible layers of crunch and cheese. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. This dish checks all the boxes: easy to prep, full of bold flavor, endlessly adaptable, and always a hit.

Feel free to customize it with your family’s favorite ingredients and toppings. Whether you're serving a hungry family or prepping ahead for the week, this casserole delivers comfort in every bite. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in regular rotation!

Print