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Taco Doritos Casserole Bake

Taco Doritos Casserole Bake

Taco Doritos Casserole Bake is a quick, cheesy, and crunchy one-dish meal that combines seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, refried beans, salsa, and crushed Doritos for a comforting taco-inspired casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers bold taco flavors with minimal prep and baking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Layers

  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 2 cups crushed Doritos chips

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Prep the Meat and Aromatics: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and the meat is fully browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  2. Layer the Base: Grease a baking dish. Spread an even layer of refried beans on the bottom, followed by half of the seasoned beef mixture, creating a creamy and savory base for the casserole.
  3. Add Cheese and Doritos: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the beef layer. Then, cover with a thick layer of crushed Doritos chips, which will crisp up in the oven for texture contrast.
  4. Top and Bake: Finish with a final sprinkle of cheese and several dollops of salsa or diced tomatoes on top. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set. Garnish as desired with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or diced avocado before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions and garlic to enhance flavor intensity.
  • Keep some Doritos chips chunkier for better crunch and texture contrast.
  • Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent taste and prevent sogginess.
  • Allow the casserole to rest before serving to improve sliceability.
  • Adjust heat by adding chili powder, jalapeños, or spicy seasoning blends as preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Taco casserole, Doritos bake, cheesy casserole, ground beef taco recipe, easy dinner, crunchy taco bake, weeknight meal