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This bubbling Dorito casserole became my secret weapon for rushed weeknights the moment my kids tasted it Layers of crunchy chips, cheesy beef, and spicy tomatoes come together in one pan with just a few easy steps It is a foolproof dinner that is always met with cheers at my table
The first time I made this my youngest could hardly wait for the cheese to cool before digging in It has become our weeknight hero that everyone requests
Ingredients
- Ground beef: buy the freshest possible for the juiciest flavor and quick cooking
- Taco seasoning: delivers classic Tex Mex flavor and a gentle spice
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies: choose a brand with ripe tomatoes for a zesty punch
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: makes everything creamy and brings a rich cheese taste
- Milk: helps blend and smooth the sauce
- Doritos: crushed for crispy layers and pick your favorite flavor for extra personality
- Shredded cheddar cheese: opt for sharp cheddar and shred it fresh for the best melt
I have found that buying block cheese and grating it at home makes the casserole especially gooey
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- Start by cooking ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it up with a spoon Cook until the beef is browned through and any juices have mostly evaporated This step should take about seven minutes and develops the base flavor for the entire casserole
- Season and Simmer:
- Add in the taco seasoning followed by the full can of diced tomatoes with green chilies the condensed cheddar cheese soup and the milk Stir everything together and reduce the heat Let the mixture simmer gently for five minutes allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just slightly
- Layer the Base:
- Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Spread half of your crushed Doritos evenly in the bottom of the pan You want to create a shallow crunchy bed for the meat mixture which helps keep things from getting soggy
- Add the Beef Filling:
- Carefully spoon the hot beef mixture across the Doritos base Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer which allows every bite to have some saucy cheese and seasoned meat
- Top and Bake:
- Finish by topping with the rest of the crushed Doritos and sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the whole pan Place in your preheated oven on the center rack and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown in spots
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let sit for five minutes to set up slightly This makes it easier to scoop and brings all those layers together
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This is genuinely the only meal my kids will race to the table for without fail
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool completely before covering tightly and storing in the refrigerator It keeps well for up to four days Reheat portions in the oven or microwave for best results If you want to freeze it wrap portions individually and store in airtight containers Thaw overnight and reheat until steaming
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey chicken or even plant based meat crumbles If you want a meat free version try replacing some or all of the meat with black beans corn or sautéed bell peppers Colby Jack and Monterey Jack both melt beautifully and offer a mild cheesy variation If gluten is a concern use a suitable taco seasoning and condensed soup
Serving Suggestions
Serve a big scoop of this casserole with a fresh green salad avocado slices or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro Sour cream and salsa are great for topping My family loves passing hot sauce around or adding jarred jalapenos for zip
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Cultural History
Dorito casserole is a uniquely American comfort food rooted in the flavors of Tex Mex It became wildly popular in the late twentieth century when families started combining convenience foods with the fun crunch of snack chips The result was an easy dish that felt just a little bit like a party every time you made it
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different Dorito flavors?
Yes, ranch or spicy Dorito varieties add unique twists to the crunch and overall flavor.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options provide tasty alternatives to beef.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Include black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers in the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add the cheese topping just before placing in the oven.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze assembled portions before baking, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.