Doritos Casserole

Our Doritos Casserole takes the familiar base of cooked onion, garlic, and ground beef and seasons it with a packet of taco seasoning. We mix in a can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes for both acidity and smokiness. A can of chopped green chiles adds some flavor and heat, and a can of cream of chicken soup dissolves into the remaining ingredients to give a rich and savory quality to the mixture.

We layer this with crushed Doritos and Cheddar cheese, and as the casserole bakes, the Doritos soften just a bit from the moisture in the meat. Easy to slice and serve with some fresh cilantro, the rich flavor of our Doritos Casserole will surprise you just as much as the people you're serving.

It may have never crossed your mind that Doritos are simply flavored tortilla chips. Granted, the tortilla chips that are Doritos are definitely unique. For most of us who grew up snacking on the beloved Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch flavors, we didn't always make the connection that these seasoned chips were akin to the chips we love with salsa.

But it's this similarity that makes Doritos a reasonable ingredient for a corn tortilla-style casserole.

Ingredients for Doritos Casserole

To make this casserole, you'll need:

• Vegetable oil: For browning the meat. Can substitute with any preferred oil.
• Yellow onion & garlic: Add an aromatic flavor to the beef.
• Ground beef: Beef is seasoned with taco seasoning, and flavored with tomatoes, chiles, and cream of chicken soup before being layered into the casserole. Can substitute with ground turkey, pork, or chicken if preferred.
• Taco seasoning: Grab a packet, or make your own.
• Diced fire-roasted tomatoes: Adds smoky, subtly sweet chunks of tomato to the meat mixture.
• Chopped green chiles: For a mild heat.
• Cream of chicken soup: A creamy base that adds richness to the casserole.
• Doritos Nacho Cheese-Flavored Tortilla Chips: For an irresistible flavor and texture. Can substitute with any flavor of Doritos you prefer.
• Shredded Cheddar cheese: A sharp, cheesy bite; can substitute with Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional to garnish the casserole for a bright flavor and color.

How To Make Doritos Casserole

This quick and easy casserole comes together with under 25 minutes of active time for a satisfying, hearty dish the whole family will love. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and sauté until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Step 2. Add beef and break up with a spoon; cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning, then tomatoes, green chiles, and cream of chicken. Cook, stirring, until thickened; remove from heat.
• Step 3. Break up chips into small pieces.
• Step 4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour one-third of the meat mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with 1/3 cup shredded cheese, then half the chips. Repeat. Pour remaining meat over top, then remaining cheese.
• Step 5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until browned, about 20 minutes.
• Step 6. Cool slightly before serving with fresh cilantro.

Variations for the Best Doritos Casserole

For the best casserole, keep these tips in mind:

• Make it your own: Use the flavor of Doritos you prefer the most, even Flamin' Hot Nacho.
• Get creative: Add black beans, corn, or red bell peppers for even more color and texture.
• Finish with toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, fresh diced tomatoes, ripe avocado, and green onions would all be welcome additions.
• Add some heat: Add in cayenne pepper or other types of chiles to the mix, or hot sauce on the side for a spicy touch.
  

What To Serve with Doritos Casserole

This casserole doesn't need much to turn it into a filling meal. Pair with Mexican corn, corn salad, arroz verde, or a side salad to balance the richness of the casserole.

How To Make Doritos Casserole Ahead

To prepare this casserole in advance, assemble without baking. Wrap well and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator if frozen and bake as directed before serving (the casserole may need additional time in the oven).

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Doritos Casserole

Refrigerate leftover casserole for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator if frozen and heat, covered with foil, in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout.

More Doritos Recipes You'll Love

Love Doritos? Join the club. We've got one more casserole recipe that will be right up your alley, and if you haven't tried Walking Tacos, there's no time like the present.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.