Craving a cozy, family-friendly Tex-Mex dinner? This Dorito Ground Beef Casserole hits all the right notes: seasoned ground beef, melty shredded cheese, and a crunchy Doritos topping that keeps every bite exciting. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this beginner-friendly recipe comes together in just 25 minutes and serves 6 generous portions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 10 ounces Rotel tomatoes, undrained
- 11 ounces Mexicorn, drained
- 2 cups shredded taco blend cheese
- 9.25 ounces nacho cheese Doritos, crushed
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
Pro Tips:
- Do not drain the Rotel tomatoes—the liquid adds essential flavor and keeps the casserole moist.
- Crush Doritos inside the bag to avoid a mess and create evenly sized pieces.
- Layering the casserole ensures distinct zones of meat, cheese, and crunch in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Cook Beef
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until no pink remains, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Add Seasoning & Mix-Ins
- Stir in taco seasoning until well combined.
- Add undrained Rotel tomatoes and drained Mexicorn, mixing thoroughly until heated through.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- In a 7×11 inch casserole dish, spread half of the beef mixture evenly.
- Top with half of the shredded cheese, then layer half of the crushed Doritos over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining meat mixture, cheese, and Doritos for a second complete layer.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with Doritos still slightly crisp.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Top with dollops of sour cream and fresh pico de gallo if desired. Serve warm.
Extra Suggestions
- Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes post-baking helps it set for cleaner slices.
- Serve alongside a simple salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
- This recipe is great for doubling if feeding a crowd or making for leftovers.
Must-Have Equipment
- Large skillet
- 7×11 inch casserole dish
- Can opener
- Wooden spoon
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
- Calories: 858
- Fat: 57 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Protein: 41 g
Note: Nutritional information is provided for guidance and not a substitute for professional advice.
Tips for Perfect Casserole
- Even layering: Makes sure each bite has meat, cheese, and Doritos.
- Don’t overbake: Doritos should stay slightly crunchy for texture contrast.
- Customize toppings: Add jalapeños, sliced olives, or fresh cilantro for extra flair.
- Prep ahead: You can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of chip?
A: Yes! Tortilla chips or spicy Nacho Cheese chips also work, just crush them before layering.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Check your taco seasoning, Doritos, and canned ingredients for gluten-free labels. Most Rotel and Mexicorn brands are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q: Can I add beans?
A: Yes! Black beans or pinto beans work well for added protein and fiber. Drain them first to avoid excess liquid.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Layer all ingredients except Doritos and cheese, cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, then add cheese and Doritos during the last 10 minutes to melt and crisp slightly.
This Dorito Ground Beef Casserole is the perfect blend of cheesy, savory, and crunchy comfort food, ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. Every bite delivers Tex-Mex flavor with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.