Description
Looking for an easy dinner that tastes like fully loaded nachos in casserole form? This Doritos taco casserole with ground beef is a cheesy, crunchy, family-friendly bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights, simple dinner ideas, or game day gatherings. Seasoned taco meat, creamy sauce, crunchy Doritos, and melty cheese all come together in one pan for an easy recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. If you love fun food ideas and need reliable dinner ideas that everyone actually gets excited about, this cozy casserole is going to be on repeat.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 oz taco seasoning (about 2–3 tablespoons)
1/2 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles), drained
10.5 oz can condensed cheddar cheese or nacho cheese soup
1 cup sour cream
3 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
9–10 oz bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed (about 5–6 cups, divided)
1 cup shredded lettuce, for serving (optional)
1 medium tomato, diced, for topping (optional)
1/4 cup sliced green onions or chopped cilantro, for topping (optional)
Jalapeño slices, salsa, and extra sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, pour in the water or beef broth, and stir well. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the drained Rotel, condensed cheddar or nacho cheese soup, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Remove from the heat.
6. Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7. Spoon half of the creamy taco beef mixture over the Doritos, then sprinkle with about 1 cup of shredded cheese.
8. Add the remaining crushed Doritos in an even layer, top with the remaining beef mixture, and finish with the rest of the shredded cheese.
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes so it can set slightly.
11. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, green onions or cilantro, jalapeños, salsa, and extra sour cream, if desired.
12. Scoop into bowls or onto plates and serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, don’t assemble the casserole too far in advance; layer the Doritos just before baking so they stay crunchy around the edges and don’t become overly soggy under the creamy beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Casserole, Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired / Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 980
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 115
Keywords: doritos taco casserole, taco casserole with ground beef, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole, doritos casserole, mexican casserole, family friendly dinner, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas