Dorito Cheese Beef Casserole

Dorito casserole is my favorite way to turn a bag of chips into a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone begs for. Crunchy layers of cheesy Doritos stack up with savory ground beef and a creamy cheese sauce for guaranteed comfort food success. I have brought this casserole to so many game nights and potlucks and it is always the first to disappear.

Whenever I am on dinner duty for a big group especially teenagers this recipe never fails me. It is incredibly satisfying to watch everyone dive in for seconds and ask what makes it so creamy.

Ingredients

• Nacho Cheese Doritos: These lend salty crunch and the all-important cheesiness. Grab the party size bag so you have enough for generous layers. Freshness matters so choose a bag without too many broken chips.
• Ground beef: The hearty foundation for the casserole. Choose 80 to 85 percent lean for flavor and moisture.
• Cheddar cheese soup: Essential for silky texture and rich cheddar taste. Check dates to ensure maximum freshness.
• Cream of chicken soup: Adds body and balances the beef and Dorito flavors. Choose a brand with minimal additives when possible.
• Evaporated milk: Makes the sauce extra creamy and allows everything to meld together well. Use whole evaporated milk for best results.
• Diced green chilies: Brings gentle tang and mild heat. Choose fire-roasted if you like a little more spice.
• Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully and layers in more flavor. Look for one that includes Monterey Jack and cheddar.
• Taco seasoning: Optional if you want a stronger Tex-Mex flavor. Use your favorite brand or homemade blend.
• Sour cream: For topping, creamy and cooling.
• Green onions: For topping, a crisp fresh bite.
• Cherry tomatoes: For topping, juicy and colorful.
• Avocado or guacamole: For topping, silky richness.
• Salsa: For topping, offers brightness and heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking. Spray a nine by thirteen inch casserole dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy.

Brown the Beef:

Place a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains and the beef is brown and fragrant. Drain off all the excess fat so your casserole will not be greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning if you are using it and cook for another one to two minutes to bloom the spices.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

With the beef still in the pan, pour in the cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and add the diced green chilies. Mix everything together until it is evenly combined. Turn the heat to medium. Stir often until the mixture becomes bubbly and thickens slightly. This step ensures a velvety sauce coats every bite.

Prepare the First Layer:

Open your bag of Doritos and use about half. Crush them lightly with your hands as you spread them across the bottom of your prepared dish. Leave some larger pieces intact. This creates distinct layers and satisfying crunch.

Layer the Meat Mixture:

Spoon half of the hot meat and cheese mixture over the Dorito layer. Smooth it out evenly so every bite has plenty of sauce.

Add the Cheese:

Scatter about one cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the meat layer. Make sure to get cheese across to the edges because those bits melt into a perfect crust.

Repeat Layers:

Pour the rest of the crushed Doritos gently over the casserole. Cover with all of the remaining meat mixture and finish by covering the top with the rest of the shredded cheese. This guarantees crispy chips and a gooey cheesy finish.

Bake the Casserole:

Carefully transfer the casserole to the oven. Bake for about twenty minutes. Watch for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly at the edges. The top should be golden but not burnt.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving neater. Slice into squares and serve hot. Provide bowls of sour cream, green onions, sliced tomatoes, avocado, and salsa so everyone can customize their own plate.

The nacho cheese Doritos are my weak spot. Every time I open a bag I have to stop myself from eating half before assembly. My favorite topping is always extra jalapeno and tomato, which adds freshness and punch. My son once tried it with crushed Cool Ranch Doritos and I will admit the result is surprisingly good.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container. For freezing, wrap portions tightly to avoid freezer burn, then thaw overnight and reheat at 350 degrees until hot. The chips will soften a bit but the flavors meld even more on day two.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey in place of beef. Vegetarian crumbles also work well. If you are out of evaporated milk, whole milk with an extra half cup of shredded cheese will keep the sauce creamy. For added kick, swap the green chilies with chopped pickled jalapenos.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad or sliced cucumbers balance this rich casserole nicely. Set out extra toppings like pickled onions, fresh cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco for a DIY topping bar. We love serving this at birthday parties and casual potlucks alongside Mexican street corn.

Cooking this casserole always reminds me of lively game nights in my kitchen with laughter and plenty of happy second servings.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well and creates a lighter flavor. Just brown and season as with beef.

→ How do I keep the Doritos crunchy?

The chips will soften as they bake and absorb sauce. For extra crunch, sprinkle fresh chips on top when serving.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

Assemble ahead and refrigerate. Bake before serving. Add a few minutes to baking time if starting from cold.

→ What toppings go best with this casserole?

Sour cream, diced green onions, tomatoes, avocado, guacamole, and salsa all pair deliciously with this dish.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Omit the meat and use beans or a meat substitute with the same seasonings for a satisfying vegetarian option.