Doritos Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Doritos Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, melted cheese, and crunchy Doritos for a fun twist on a classic casserole. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilis
- 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (16 ounce) shredded colby jack cheese
- 1 (16 ounce) bag Doritos Nacho Cheese chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced onions and red bell peppers. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften.
- Step 4: Add the taco seasoning and the can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilis. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 5: Stir in the drained pinto beans and sour cream. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Step 6: Break the Doritos chips into smaller pieces, taking care not to crush them too finely.
- Step 7: Spread one-third of the broken Doritos evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese.
- Step 8: Add another one-third of the Doritos over the cheese, top with the remaining beef mixture, and then sprinkle with another one-third of the cheese. Finish with the remaining chips and cheese.
- Step 9: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Step 10: Optional: add extra toppings such as diced green onions for added freshness and crunch.
- Step 11: Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, crunchy Doritos casserole.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the peppers and onions.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese instead of colby jack for a different flavor.
- Try adding corn or black beans for added texture and flavor variety.
- If you prefer less crunchy chips, add them just before serving instead of baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the entire casserole in a 350 degrees F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. To keep chips crispy when reheating, add fresh chips on top after warming.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the chips just before baking to prevent them from getting soggy.
What can I use instead of Doritos if I want a healthier option?
You can substitute baked tortilla chips or whole grain corn chips for a lighter alternative, though the flavor and crunch will be slightly different.
PrintDoritos Casserole Recipe
This Doritos Casserole is a flavorful and comforting baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese layered with crunchy Doritos chips. Perfect for a family dinner or game day, it offers a delicious twist on traditional casseroles with spicy Rotel tomatoes and a cheesy, crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilis
- 1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (16 ounce) bag Doritos Nacho Cheese chips
Dairy
- 1 (16 ounce) shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onions and diced red bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add seasoning and tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and the can of Rotel tomatoes with green chilis, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix beans and sour cream: Add the drained pinto beans and sour cream to the skillet mixture, stirring well. Remove the skillet from the heat once combined.
- Prepare the chips: Break the Doritos chips into medium-sized pieces; avoid crushing them too finely to preserve texture.
- Layer the casserole – first layer: Spread one-third of the broken Doritos chips evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish. Then top with half of the ground beef mixture followed by one-third of the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Layer the casserole – second and third layers: Add the next one-third of the Doritos chips over the cheese, then top with the remaining ground beef mixture and another one-third of the cheese. Finally, spread the remaining Doritos chips and shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Add toppings and serve: Optionally garnish with extra toppings like diced green onions. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- For extra crunch, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten the dish.
- If you prefer less spice, use mild Rotel tomatoes or omit the canned tomatoes and add fresh diced tomatoes instead.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
Keywords: Doritos casserole, ground beef casserole, taco casserole, cheesy casserole, party dish, Tex-Mex casserole

