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Cheesy Doritos Taco Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Doritos Taco Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Doritos taco casserole delivers zesty Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Simple layers of crunchy chips, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
  • 3 tbsps homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • ¾ cup water
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
  • 1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos (slightly crushed)
  • ½ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
  2. Meat Transformation: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until the sauce coats the meat. Incorporate Rotel tomatoes and let the flavors harmonize briefly.
  3. Layer Construction: Spread a base of crushed Doritos across the baking dish. Evenly distribute the seasoned beef mixture, then blanket with a smooth sour cream layer. Shower generously with shredded cheese and crown with another layer of crushed Doritos for textural contrast.
  4. Baking Process: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
  5. Final Touch: Rest the casserole for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro to add a vibrant finishing flourish before serving.

Notes

  • Manage Meat Texture: Brown ground beef thoroughly to prevent clumping and ensure even seasoning distribution, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles for better texture and flavor absorption.
  • Control Cheese Melting: Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and even coverage, preventing uneven or burnt cheese layers that can create a tough, dry surface.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by selecting mild, medium, or hot varieties, or create a homemade blend to control sodium and heat according to personal preference.
  • Crisp Doritos Strategy: Layer Doritos strategically to maintain crunchiness – add bottom layer first, then top layer in final minutes of baking to prevent soggy texture and preserve chip’s signature crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg