Crispy Cheesy Doritos Delight is a delicious and indulgent casserole that’s loaded with layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and everyone’s favorite crunchy snack: Doritos! This dish is a fun, flavorful twist on a taco casserole and is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day. The crunchy, cheesy Doritos topping makes it irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel, drained)
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional, for added flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 1 bag (11 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos (crushed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Toppings (Optional):
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully coated in the seasoning and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, sour cream, salsa (if using), and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Spread a layer of crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared baking dish (about 1/3 of the bag).
- Pour the beef and cheese mixture over the Doritos, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 5: Add the Doritos Topping
- Sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos on top of the cheese layer, ensuring an even layer of crunchy chips.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the Doritos topping is crispy.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and your favorite toppings, such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or extra sour cream.
Cook Notes
- Doritos: You can use any flavor of Doritos for this recipe, but the classic Nacho Cheese flavor works perfectly. Try Cool Ranch Doritos for a different twist!
- Cream of Chicken vs. Cream of Mushroom: Both work well in this recipe, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
- Cheese: For a cheesier casserole, feel free to add extra cheese or use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for more flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Doritos Delight: Use spicy taco seasoning and add a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Chicken Doritos Casserole: Swap out the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast for a delicious chicken version.
- Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground beef substitute and swap the cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead of time, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply uncover and bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still cold.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I use other types of chips?
Yes, if you don’t have Doritos, you can use other flavored tortilla chips or even plain tortilla chips for a more subtle flavor.
Crispy Cheesy Doritos Delight is a fun, flavorful casserole that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. The combination of savory seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and crunchy Doritos makes this dish irresistible. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy this easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion
