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Dorito Casserole

A comforting and satisfying casserole featuring crunchy Doritos, a creamy tomato-cheese filling, and savory seasoned meat, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey, browned and drained Use lean beef for less fat.
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup) Fresh onion adds more flavor than onion powder.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles or plain diced tomatoes, drained slightly
  • 1 10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt Substitute dairy-free yogurt for lactose-free.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping Use freshly shredded for best melt.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tbsp) Or 2 tbsp homemade taco mix.
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Topping
  • 7 to 8 oz nacho cheese Doritos, crushed coarsely Reserve a handful for garnish.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack For extra gooey top.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
  2. Crush the Doritos in a large zip bag or bowl, leaving some larger pieces for crunch.
Cooking Meat and Aromatics
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Building the Filling
  1. Stir in the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, condensed soup, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and heated through; the mixture should be thick and saucy.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup shredded cheese until partly melted.
Assembling the Casserole
  1. Spread the filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top.
  2. Press the crushed Doritos gently over the cheese to form an even crunchy layer. Keep some Dorito crumbs aside for garnish.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  2. For extra browning, uncover and broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so it does not burn.
Resting and Serving
  1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets slightly for cleaner slices.
  2. Garnish with reserved Dorito crumbs and chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap ground turkey and low-fat Greek yogurt. Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with cooked lentils. Check soup and seasoning labels for gluten-free options.