A cheesy, taco-style casserole layered with ground beef, Doritos, corn, tomatoes, and sour cream, baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and Tex-Mex flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this casserole brings together all my favorite taco flavors in one hearty dish. The layers of cheesy beef, corn, and tomatoes balance perfectly with the crunchy Doritos topping. It’s quick to put together, family-friendly, and always a hit at potlucks or weeknight dinners. I also like that I can prepare it ahead and freeze it, making it a convenient option when I need something filling and satisfying.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups finely crushed Doritos
1 cup loosely crushed Doritos
1 pound lean ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
12 ounces frozen corn
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with green chiles, not drained
Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
Crush the Doritos: 2 cups finely (like crumbs) and 1 cup more coarsely (for topping).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is browned; drain excess grease.
Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add the frozen corn, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (with chiles, un-drained), and the 2 cups of finely crushed Doritos. Stir to combine.
Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and 2 cups of the cheese.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and bake 5 minutes to warm through.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top, then the 1 cup of loosely crushed Doritos, and bake another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remove from oven and serve, garnished as desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings. It takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 40 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap the beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter twist. For extra heat, I like to add jalapeños or use spicy Doritos. If I’m craving more veggies, I stir in black beans, bell peppers, or zucchini. For a creamier version, I mix in a little cream cheese with the sour cream.
storage/reheating
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop a portion in the oven at 350 °F until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick single servings. If I want to freeze the casserole, I prepare it up to the point before adding the topping, then cover tightly. When ready to bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge and add the Doritos and cheese before baking.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I like to assemble it without the top layer of Doritos and cheese, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage. I just add the toppings before baking.
What kind of Doritos work best?
I usually use Nacho Cheese Doritos, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho add fun flavor twists.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. I swap the ground beef for black beans, refried beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables.
How do I keep the Doritos crispy?
I add the loosely crushed Doritos just before the final bake so they stay crunchy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this casserole doubles easily. I just use two 9×13-inch pans and bake them side by side.
Conclusion
This Doritos taco casserole is one of my go-to comfort meals. I love how it combines cheesy, meaty, and crunchy layers into one dish that feels festive and hearty. Whether I’m feeding family, hosting a casual dinner, or prepping freezer meals, this recipe always delivers flavor and convenience.
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