Doritos Taco Casserole With Ground Beef

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If you’re looking for the kind of dish that gets a cheer from the table before it even hits the oven, Doritos Taco Casserole with Ground Beef is it. This layered casserole is bold, zesty, and packed with cheesy beefy goodness that captures everything we love about taco night — just in casserole form. Crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos on the bottom and top give each bite texture and flavor, making this one unforgettable comfort food.

It’s the kind of recipe that works for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or game-day gatherings. Kids go crazy for it, adults secretly crave it, and you won’t believe how quickly it disappears. From the seasoned beef to the melted cheese and the creamy salsa blend, everything comes together in a way that just makes sense. It’s messy, loud, and totally irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Doritos Taco Casserole With Ground Beef

This isn’t your average weeknight casserole. The use of Doritos adds a fun twist that makes it feel like a treat. You get the satisfaction of a taco and the coziness of a baked dish all in one. Plus, it’s easily customizable — add black beans, corn, or jalapeños to mix things up, and it reheats well for leftovers that are just as tasty the next day.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Doritos?

Absolutely. Nacho Cheese is the classic pick and gives that unmistakable flavor, but Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or even Salsa Verde Doritos will bring their own personality to the dish. Just make sure the chips aren’t too crushed — you want that satisfying crunch.

Ingredients for the Doritos Taco Casserole With Ground Beef

You don’t need anything fancy to pull off this crowd-pleasing dish. Each ingredient plays a big role in making the casserole rich, flavorful, and crave-worthy.

Ground beef gives the casserole its hearty, protein-packed base. Browned and seasoned, it becomes the star of the dish.

Taco seasoning blends the beef with classic Mexican-inspired spices. You can use store-bought or homemade.

Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that balances the spice and richness.

Salsa infuses the dish with moisture and vibrant tomato flavor. Choose a chunky salsa for texture or a smoother version for a creamier finish.

Shredded cheese melts into every layer. Cheddar, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack are all great choices.

Doritos (Nacho Cheese) bring the crunch and that addictive cheesy flavor that makes this dish so fun.

Optional toppings like chopped tomatoes, green onions, or olives can be added fresh before serving for extra color and bite.

How To Make the Doritos Taco Casserole With Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Layer

In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and salsa. Mix until smooth. This layer helps everything meld together in the oven and adds creaminess.

Step 3: Build the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread a layer of slightly crushed Doritos on the bottom. Then spoon over half the taco beef, drizzle some creamy salsa, and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat with another layer of Doritos, beef, salsa mix, and cheese.

Step 4: Bake It

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5-10 minutes until bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve

Top with chopped tomatoes, green onions, olives, or even avocado slices if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, crunchy goodness!

How to Serve and Store Doritos Taco Casserole

This Doritos taco casserole feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s best served hot out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the chips are still crisp. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture or microwave for convenience. If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, but hold off on adding the top layer of Doritos until just before baking.

What to Serve With Doritos Taco Casserole?

Mexican Street Corn

Sweet, smoky, and topped with cotija cheese, it’s the perfect tangy side dish to round out this meal.

Guacamole

A scoop of fresh guac adds creaminess and balances the spice. Plus, who doesn’t love more avocado?

Refried Beans

Warm and smooth, they make a cozy, protein-rich companion to the casserole.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Bright, fluffy rice with a zing of lime makes the plate feel complete and fresh.

Jalapeño Cornbread

Sweet with a kick, this southern-style bread works great with the taco flavors.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with lime vinaigrette adds freshness and cuts through the richness.

Churros or Sopapillas

If you’re thinking about dessert, these cinnamon sugar treats will wrap it all up beautifully.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If this Doritos taco casserole has you craving more bold and cozy dinners, check these out next:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a creamy pasta twist.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving something quick and hearty.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for ultra-cheesy baked comfort.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you want something rich and indulgent.
• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky, one-pan ease.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with spicy Doritos or keep it classic? Did you sneak in some jalapeños or black beans?

I love seeing how you customize this one. Ask any questions below and let’s get this taco party rolling.

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