Dorito Casserole

By Tyla | Last modified on Feb 25, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Discover the nostalgic blend of crunchy, cheesy Dorito chips layered with hearty ground beef and creamy cheese sauce in this comforting casserole. Perfectly suited for family dinners or game day feasts, it promises a satisfying crunch combined with rich, savory flavors that everyone will appreciate.

This quick and easy casserole delivers both convenience and taste, making it an ideal weeknight entree when you’re craving something indulgent yet straightforward. Customize it with your favorite cheeses or spices to make it uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation suitable for busy evenings or gatherings.
Combination of crunchy chips and creamy cheese layers offers delightful texture.
Versatile ingredients allow easy customization to suit your taste.
Feeds a crowd, perfect for family meals or potlucks.

Ingredients

Nacho Cheese Doritos (14 oz party size bag): Crunchy, flavorful chips that add texture and cheesy goodness to your casserole layers.
Ground Beef (1½–2 lbs): Provides rich, savory protein as the hearty base of the casserole, ensuring satisfying fullness.
Cheddar Cheese Soup (1 can, 10¾ oz): Creamy, cheesy soup that enriches the meat mixture and adds smooth texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10¾ oz): Adds creaminess and depth to the sauce, balancing flavors perfectly.
Evaporated Milk (1 can, 12 oz): Thins and blends the soups, creating a luscious, creamy sauce consistency.
Diced Green Chilies (1 can, 4 oz): Offers a subtle kick and fresh vegetable flavor to enliven the casserole.
Shredded Mexican Cheese (2–3 cups): Melts over layers adding gooey, melty richness and authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
Optional Taco Seasoning Packet: Enhances the ground beef with classic taco spices for extra savory notes.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s fully heated by the time your casserole is assembled. Baking at this temperature allows even cooking and perfectly melted cheese.
Cook and Season Ground Beef: In a large pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked to develop rich flavor. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Optionally, stir in a taco seasoning packet to boost the seasoning profile and bring authentic Mexican taste.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce Mixture: Combine the cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and diced green chilies in the pan with the browned beef. Stir well and heat until bubbly to blend flavors and create a creamy, savory sauce that coats the meat evenly.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a suitable baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. This step ensures your casserole layers will release cleanly after baking.
Layer Doritos and Meat Mixture: Sprinkle half of the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This first layer provides a crunchy base. Spread half of the creamy beef mixture over the chips, then scatter about one cup of shredded Mexican cheese for a melty topping layer.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining crushed Doritos, spreading the leftover meat and sauce mixture on top, and finishing with the rest of the shredded cheese to create rich, cheesy layers.
Bake to Melt and Heat Through: Bake the assembled casserole at 350°F for about 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated thoroughly. This ensures all flavors meld together and creates a deliciously crisp but creamy finish.

You Must Know

Doritos can get soft if left too long; serve immediately for the best crunch.
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Adding fresh jalapeños boosts heat, perfect for spice lovers.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve texture and flavor without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Complement the bold flavors with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side.

Professional Tips

For extra crunch, reserve some Doritos to sprinkle on top before baking.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce evaporated milk and add more cheese.
Use sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for richer flavor complexity.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Yes, you can assemble it a day before and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.
What can I substitute for the Doritos?: Tortilla chips work well as a substitute if you want less cheese flavor or want to avoid Doritos.
Is this casserole freezer friendly?: Yes, cool completely then wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use low-fat soups and cheeses?: Absolutely. Opting for reduced-fat products can lighten the dish while maintaining flavor.
How spicy is this casserole?: Mild as is; you can increase heat by adding jalapeños or spicy taco seasoning.
Can I add vegetables?: Yes, additions like corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers enhance nutrition and texture.
What cheese types can I use?: Mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese work beautifully depending on your flavor preference.