Description

This TexMex Doritos Layered Casserole is a flavorful, family-friendly meal that combines seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and crunchy Doritos for a delightful twist on a classic casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun potluck dish, it layers hearty TexMex ingredients with the bold, cheesy flavor of Nacho Cheese Doritos. The best part? It’s customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to fit your tastes or dietary needs. With minimal prep time and easy steps, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
½ small yellow onion, diced
1 ounce packet taco seasoning
15 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
15 ounce can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 ounce can diced tomatoes and chilies (Rotel)
1 cup sour cream
2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
5 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos tortilla chips, crushed
Optional garnish: cilantro, green onions, black olives, or your favorite taco toppings

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up any clumps, until no pink remains (about 6-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Add onions: Stir in the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Season and combine: Stir in the taco seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes, Rotel, and kidney beans. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
Layer the casserole: In a lightly greased 9×13” casserole dish, spread 2 cups of crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Repeat layers: Add another layer of 2 cups of crushed Doritos, then the remaining beef mixture. Top with 1 cup of cheese. Finish with the final layer of crushed Doritos and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, black olives, or your favorite taco toppings.

Notes

Meat substitutions: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative.
Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Doritos flavors: Change up the flavor by using Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho Doritos for a new twist.
Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply refrigerate it before baking, and allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven.
Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.