Description
This Taco Doritos Casserole is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Ground beef is cooked with onions and taco seasoning, then mixed with corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, crushed Doritos, and cheese. Baked briefly to meld the flavors and topped with extra cheese and chips for a delightful crunch. Optional black beans add extra protein and fiber. It’s a fun Tex-Mex inspired casserole that’s easy to prepare and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 12 ounce bag frozen corn
- 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes with green chilies (NOT drained)
- 1 cup black beans (optional)
Seasonings and Condiments
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
Crunch and Cheese
- 2 cups finely crushed Doritos
- 1 cup loosely crushed Doritos
- 3 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Crush Doritos: Gently crush the Doritos chips; crush two cups finely into crumbs and set aside. Crush one cup more coarsely for topping. Use a Ziploc bag and press with your hands for ease.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions until beef is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the frozen corn, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), and the two cups of finely crushed Doritos to the skillet. If using black beans, add them now. Stir to combine and warm through.
- Stir in Sour Cream and Cheese: Remove from heat. Mix in the sour cream and two cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese until evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and bake for 5 minutes to heat through.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheese over the casserole, then spread the loosely crushed Doritos on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the topping is slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, and sour cream if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Finely crushing the Doritos helps integrate them into the casserole for flavor and texture, while the looser chunks on top add crunch.
- Black beans are optional but add fiber and protein, enhancing nutrition.
- Use Mexican blend cheese for the best flavor, or substitute with cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
