Layered Doritos Casserole combines the bold flavors of a cheesy, meaty filling with the crunchy texture of Doritos, all baked together into a delicious and fun meal. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting and satisfying casserole with a twist. The layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, cheese, and Doritos create a unique blend of flavors and textures that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s an easy-to-make, versatile recipe that allows for plenty of customization based on your preferences.
The inspiration for the Layered Doritos Casserole came from a playful desire to incorporate a favorite snack into a hearty dinner dish. After experimenting with various ingredients and layering techniques, the perfect combination was found, creating a casserole that was both deliciously indulgent and surprisingly easy to prepare. Serving it for the first time at a casual family gathering, it was an instant hit, sparking delight and curiosity about the unconventional use of Doritos as a casserole ingredient.
This casserole quickly became a requested dish for many occasions, celebrated for its comfort food appeal and the fun twist of including a beloved snack. It’s a testament to the joy of cooking with creativity and embracing the unexpected to create memorable meals.
Why You’ll Love Layered Doritos Casserole
- Fun and Flavorful: A unique and tasty way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Tex-Mex casserole.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite toppings, sauces, and cheese.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for feeding a crowd, making it a great choice for parties and potlucks.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to the familiar taste of Doritos and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients Notes For Layered Doritos Casserole
- Doritos: Use your favorite flavor of Doritos for the base and topping of the casserole.
- Ground Beef: The main protein component, seasoned with taco seasoning for extra flavor.
- Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a gooey, melty layer.
- Salsa: Adds moisture and a tangy tomato flavor to the meat layer.
- Sour Cream: Provides a creamy layer that balances the spices and adds richness.
- Beans: Optional, but black beans or refried beans can add texture and protein to the dish.
- Vegetables: Customize with layers of corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, or olives, according to taste.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven and greasing a casserole dish.
- Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning until fully cooked, then mix with salsa.
- Layer the Casserole: Begin with a layer of crushed Doritos, followed by the beef mixture, beans (if using), sour cream, vegetables, and cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted. Add a final layer of Doritos in the last few minutes of baking for extra crunch.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freeze: It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the Doritos may become soggy upon freezing and reheating.
Cooking Layered Doritos Casserole A Crowd-Pleasing Dish
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (about 450g)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Taco seasoning: 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning)
- Salsa: 1 cup
- Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed (optional)
- Corn: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Doritos: 1 bag (about 9.75 oz), roughly crushed (Nacho Cheese or your favorite flavor)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack): 2 cups
- Green onions: for garnish, chopped
- Jalapeños: sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, black beans (if using), and corn. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before stirring in the sour cream.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Start with a layer of roughly crushed Doritos at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, saving enough for the top layer.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the Doritos, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheese.
- Add another layer of crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining beef mixture.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sliced jalapeños, if desired.
- Serve hot, with additional sour cream on the side if you like.
