Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup refried beans
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2–3 tbsp water (to mix taco seasoning)
Vegetables & Fresh Ingredients
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 green onions, chopped
Cheese & Chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
Toppings
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s evenly browned with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water as directed on the seasoning packet, stirring well to coat the beef and create a flavorful sauce.
- Mix in Beans and Tomatoes: Fold the refried beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies into the seasoned beef mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, start with a layer of the beef mixture, then sprinkle a generous amount of crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, followed by shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer for a golden crust.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the Doritos are crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer taste.
- Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Crush Doritos by hand for better texture control and to prevent dust.
- Alternate layers evenly to balance flavors in each bite.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Taco casserole, Doritos bake, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Mexican casserole, gluten free casserole