Print

Savory Cheesy Taco Casserole with Crispy Doritos

savory cheesy taco casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy taco casserole featuring a gooey cheesy filling topped with crispy Nacho Cheese Doritos for a fun and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix or homemade blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
  • 3 cups cooked white rice or cooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, jalapeño slices or diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook rice or pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside (about 15 minutes).
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Add chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture. Pour in tomato sauce or salsa and stir well. Simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. In a bowl, mix crushed Doritos with melted butter until well coated.
  7. Spread cooked rice or pasta evenly in the greased baking dish. Layer the taco beef mixture over it.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef layer.
  9. Top with the butter-coated crushed Doritos evenly.
  10. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and Doritos topping is golden brown.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip draining the beef to avoid sogginess. Crush Doritos to medium-sized crumbs for best crunch. Use real shredded cheese for better melt and texture. Watch the casserole closely in the last 5 minutes to prevent burning the Doritos topping; tent with foil if needed. Let casserole rest before serving for easier slicing and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco casserole, cheesy casserole, Doritos topping, easy dinner, ground beef casserole, Mexican comfort food

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/savory-cheesy-taco-casserole-with-crispy-doritos-perfect-for-easy-dinner/