This Beef Dorito Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dinner that combines seasoned beef, creamy layers, melty cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips into one satisfying baked dish. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting, filling, and fun to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and comes together with simple pantry ingredients. It’s a great option for feeding a crowd, pleasing picky eaters, or bringing to a casual gathering. The layers create a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures, and the recipe is flexible enough to adjust to your family’s tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
½ cup water or beef broth
1 can tomatoes with green chiles, 14.5 ounces, drained
1 can black beans, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
¾ cup sour cream
1 bag Cool Ranch Doritos, 9 ounces
3 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped green onions
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat.
Return the skillet to the heat and add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water or beef broth. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the drained tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, and sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly combined, then remove from heat.
Lightly crush about 1 cup of the Doritos and spread them evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips. Add another layer of lightly crushed Doritos, followed by half of the shredded cheese.
Spread the remaining beef mixture evenly over the top, then finish with the remaining Doritos and cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Add optional toppings as desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 generous portions.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 45 minutes
Variations
For a milder flavor, use plain tortilla chips instead of seasoned ones.
Substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the beef if preferred.
Add 1 cup of corn kernels for extra sweetness and texture.
Use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella if Mexican blend cheese is unavailable.
Stir in sliced olives or extra diced peppers for more flavor depth.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. The microwave works as well, though the chips will soften more. This casserole is not ideal for freezing, as the chips lose their texture once thawed.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
What type of beef works best?
Lean ground beef is ideal, as it prevents the casserole from becoming too greasy.
Can I use a different type of chip?
Yes, any halal-friendly tortilla chips work well, though seasoned chips add extra flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat. You can increase or reduce spice by adjusting the taco seasoning.
Can I make it creamier?
You can add an extra ¼ cup of sour cream or a small amount of cream cheese to the beef mixture.
Will the Doritos stay crunchy?
The top layer stays slightly crunchy, while the bottom layers soften during baking.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, diced zucchini, corn, or additional bell peppers blend in nicely.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Drain canned ingredients well and avoid overloading with wet toppings before baking.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A fresh salad, sliced vegetables, or simple rice pairs well with the richness of the dish.
Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Yes, it’s very kid-friendly and can be adjusted to be as mild as needed.
Conclusion
Beef Dorito Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures in one easy bake. With its creamy beef filling, melty cheese, and crunchy chip layers, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a regular favorite at the dinner table. Whether for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this casserole delivers warmth, flavor, and simple homemade goodness every time.
This Beef Dorito Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing bake that layers seasoned ground beef, creamy sour cream, melty cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s easy to assemble and makes a fun, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1 oz taco seasoning (1 packet)
1/2 cup water or beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup sour cream
1 (9 oz) bag Cool Ranch Doritos, lightly crushed
3 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, green onions
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in taco seasoning and water or broth. Simmer 5–6 minutes until thickened.
Add drained tomatoes, black beans, and sour cream. Mix well and remove from heat.
Layer 1 cup of crushed Doritos on the bottom of the prepared dish.
Spoon in half the beef mixture. Top with another layer of Doritos and half of the shredded cheese.
Repeat with remaining beef, Doritos, and cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Let cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream, salsa, or green onions if desired.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in 2 oz cream cheese to the beef mixture.
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
