Ultimate Dorito Casserole Recipe (Cheesy Mexican Comfort Food)

Transform ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary family feast with this irresistible Dorito casserole that combines everyone’s favorite snack chip with hearty seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese. This Mexican-inspired comfort food delivers layers of crunchy texture, bold flavors, and satisfying richness that will have your family asking for seconds. With its customizable toppings and make-ahead-friendly nature, this casserole proves that sometimes the most delicious meals come from unexpected ingredients.

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Why This Recipe Works

The genius of Dorito casserole lies in how the chips’ signature seasoning transforms the entire dish. That addictive flavor dust doesn’t just add crunch; it infuses every layer with nacho cheese goodness that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The long simmer time allows the meat mixture to develop deep, complex flavors while the layered construction creates textural contrast in every bite. Unlike traditional casseroles that can be one-note, this dish delivers excitement from top to bottom.

Choosing Your Doritos

Best Flavors for This Recipe:

The classic Nacho Cheese Doritos work perfectly, but don’t limit yourself to tradition. Cheese-based and chili-flavored varieties like Spicy Sweet Chili, Flamin’ Hot Nacho, or Blaze work beautifully. For extra heat lovers, try Flamin’ Hot Limón for a citrusy kick that complements the Mexican flavors.

Flavors to Avoid:

While popular, Cool Ranch doesn’t harmonize well with the other ingredients and can create competing flavor profiles that clash rather than complement.

Creative Combinations:

Mix different Doritos flavors for complexity, or use 3-D Doritos whole in the middle layer for an unexpected textural surprise that will delight your family.

Dorito Casserole Recipe Ingredients

For the Meat Mixture:

• Ground beef – Provides hearty protein base and rich, savory foundation, you could swap with ground turkey
• Chorizo sausage – Adds spicy complexity and authentic Mexican flavor depth
• Yellow onion – Contributes a sweet aromatic base that balances spicy elements
• Red kidney beans – Offer protein, fiber, and creamy texture contrast, you can use either pinto beans or black beans
• Chili hot beans – Provide additional heat and authentic Mexican flavor
• Cream of chicken soup – Creates creamy binding agent that holds the mixture together
• Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies – Add fresh acidity and mild heat
• Sliced black olives – Contribute briny flavor and Mediterranean touch

For Seasoning:

• Paprika – Adds color, mild sweetness, and smoky undertones
• Chili powder – Provides essential Mexican spice blend and warmth
• Ground cumin – Offers earthy, nutty flavor fundamental to Mexican cuisine

For Assembly:

• Cheese Doritos – Create crunchy layers and signature nacho flavor throughout
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully and adds sharp, tangy richness, Cheddar or Mexican cheese blend will work

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded iceberg lettuce – Provides fresh, crispy contrast to rich casserole
• Sour cream – Adds cooling element and tangy richness

How to Make Dorito Taco Casserole

1. In a 2-quart pot, combine ground beef, chorizo, chili beans, kidney beans, cream of chicken soup, tomatoes and green chilies, onions, black olives, paprika, cumin, and chili powder.
   
2. Simmer the meat and bean mixture for 1 hour.
   
3. Crush the bag of Doritos and sprinkle the bottom of a baking dish with a third of the Doritos.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the Doritos.
   
5. Place half of the ground beef mixture on top.
   
6. Add another layer of Doritos and cheese.
   
7. Add the remaining ground beef mixture over the Doritos and cheese.
   
8. Top with the remaining Doritos and cheese.
   
9. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
   
10. Let cool and cut into lasagna-sized servings.
11. Top with shredded lettuce and sour cream if desired.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store covered in an airtight container dish for up to 3 days. The flavors improve after resting overnight.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble completely, but don’t bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
• Reheating Method: Cut into individual portions and reheat in 350°F oven for 20 minutes, covered with foil. Let it come to room temperature first for even heating.
• Freezing: Cut into portions and wrap individually in foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Love casseroles? Try these recipes!

• Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
• Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
• Chili Relleno Casserole
• Crab Casserole
• Hamburger Tater Tot Casserole
• King Ranch Casserole
• Leftover Chicken Casserole
• Taco Cornbread Casserole

Favorite Mexican Recipes

• Chipotle Barbacoa
• Crockpot Chicken Tacos
• Dorito Taco Salad
• Ground Beef Tacos
• Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
• Taco Bowl

Check out more of my easy casserole recipes and the best Mexican food recipes here on CopyKat!

Thanks to Sunny1135 for this casserole recipe.