Taco casseroles are a perfect combination of all the things we love about tacos—cheese, beef, salsa, and crunchy toppings—made into an easy, one-pan dish. This Taco Casserole with Doritos and Ground Beef is a crowd-pleaser that combines the savory taste of seasoned ground beef, the crunchiness of Doritos, and a melted cheese layer for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups Doritos, crushed (or more for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
How to Make Taco Casserole with Doritos & Ground Beef ?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil.
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors. If you’re adding black beans or corn, stir them in at this point.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and 1/2 of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together.
Step 5: Layer the casserole. Start by spreading the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Then, top it with a layer of crushed Doritos. Spoon the sour cream and cheese mixture over the Doritos, and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Doritos are slightly golden.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or a combination of beans and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Use different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack to make the casserole even cheesier.
- Taco Toppings: Serve the casserole with traditional taco toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for an extra fresh layer.
Cooking Note
For an even crispier topping, you can bake the casserole for a few extra minutes until the Doritos are golden brown and slightly crispy. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for mild salsa or omit the green chilies from the diced tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This Taco Casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad with lime dressing. You can also serve it with additional sides such as guacamole, salsa, or a scoop of sour cream.
Helpful Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake it at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
- Doritos Variation: If you’re not a fan of regular Doritos, you can use Cool Ranch Doritos for a different flavor profile.
Related Recipes :
- Classic Salisbury Steak A Timeless Comfort Food
- Classic Steak and Eggs Breakfast A Complete Guide
- The Best Sloppy Joes Recipe
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready. Just make sure to cover it with foil and store it in the fridge.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you like! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn are great additions to this casserole.
Conclusion
This Taco Casserole with Doritos and Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food that’s both flavorful and easy to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its combination of cheesy goodness, crunchy Doritos, and savory beef. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a party dish, this casserole will definitely be a favorite at your table. Enjoy the flavors of tacos in a new and exciting way, with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction!
PrintUltimate Taco Casserole with Doritos and Ground Beef
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups Doritos, crushed (or more for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors. If you’re adding black beans or corn, stir them in at this point.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and 1/2 of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses together.
- Step 5: Layer the casserole. Start by spreading the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Then, top it with a layer of crushed Doritos. Spoon the sour cream and cheese mixture over the Doritos, and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Doritos are slightly golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g