This post may contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy.
Crushed Doritos bring irresistible crunch and cheesy flavor to this easy Tex-Mex ground beef casserole. It’s a fun, family-friendly dinner that’s super simple to make—just stir, layer, and bake. The combination of soups, enchilada sauce, green chiles, and cheese creates a creamy, spicy-salty mixture that tastes like comfort food with a kick.
You can easily adjust the flavors to your taste—choose a different enchilada sauce, swap in salsa, or try different cheese blends. Even picky eaters love this one, and leftovers reheat surprisingly well. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or game-day party food, this casserole always gets devoured.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Crunchy and cheesy. Crushed Doritos on top and inside add both texture and flavor.
Quick and easy to make. Just cook the beef, stir in the filling, and bake until bubbly.
Customizable to your taste. Use different soups, cheeses, or salsa to suit what you have on hand.
Ingredient Notes
- Vegetable oil: A small amount helps brown the ground beef evenly without sticking.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps the dish hearty without excess grease. You can use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Condensed soups: Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken create a creamy, flavorful base. You can swap one for another or use a spicy variation.
- Red enchilada sauce: Adds tangy heat and tomato flavor. Use mild or medium, depending on your heat preference—or substitute with salsa for a twist.
- Milk: Helps loosen and blend the soup mixture for a smooth, pourable texture.
- Chopped green chile peppers: Canned mild green chiles add a subtle kick and authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
- Doritos: Nacho cheese flavored Doritos add crunch, flavor, and fun! Crush them lightly for layered texture.
- Salt and pepper: Season the beef mixture to taste before baking.
- Shredded cheese: A Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or sharp Cheddar melts into a golden topping—choose your favorite.
Steps to Make Tex-Mex Dorito Casserole
- Heat the oil in a skillet and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain off any excess fat and season the beef with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef with both soups, enchilada sauce, milk, green chiles, and about three-quarters of the crushed Doritos.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with the remaining crushed Doritos and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake until the casserole is hot, bubbling around the edges, and the cheese is melted.
Tips for Tex-Mex Dorito Casserole
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped onion to the skillet when browning the beef for extra flavor.
- For a spicy version, use medium enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Lightly crush the Doritos—don’t pulverize them—to keep texture in the layers.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Recipe Variations
- Salsa version. Swap the enchilada sauce with your favorite jarred salsa.
- Chicken twist. Use cooked shredded chicken instead of ground beef.
- Taco seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the beef while browning for extra flavor.
- Spicy kick. Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot green chiles.
- Veggie boost. Add corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to the filling.
- Cheese swap. Try Pepper Jack or a sharp Cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or coleslaw for contrast.
- Add a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to round out the meal.
- Pair with sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped green onions on top.
- Offer tortilla chips and salsa on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Use within 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Not recommended. The chips lose texture and become soggy after freezing and thawing.
To Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the full casserole (covered) in a 325°F oven until heated through.
Tex-Mex Dorito Casserole
Ingredients
- Butter, oil, or cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce, mild or medium
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (4-ounce) can green chile peppers, chopped
- 1 (9.25-ounce) bag Doritos, nacho flavored, crushed, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend
Recommended Equipment
- 2-quart baking dish
- skillet
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.Butter, oil, or cooking spray
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. Break the beef up and continue cooking and stirring until it is no longer pink.1 tbsp vegetable oil | 1 pound lean ground beef
- Stir the soups, enchilada sauce, milk, chopped green chile peppers, and about three-quarters of the crushed Doritos into the browned ground beef. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining chips.1 (10.5-oz) can cream of mushroom soup | 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup | 1 cup red enchilada sauce | 1 cup milk | 1 (4-ounce) can green chile peppers | 1 (9.25-ounce) bag Doritos, nacho flavored | Salt and pepper
- Top with the shredded cheese and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese is melted.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
