Cheesy Doritos Taco Casserole
This Cheesy Doritos Taco Casserole is a delightful one-dish wonder that combines the bold flavors of taco night with the comforting texture of a cheesy casserole. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe features seasoned ground beef, rich Velveeta cheese, creamy refried beans, and zesty Ro-Tel tomatoes, all layered atop a crunchy base of baked Doritos. It's easy to prepare, and the whole family will love digging into this savory dish full of flavor and fun textures. Perfect for meal prep, this casserole can be made ahead and reheats beautifully — making it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lean ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Velveeta reduced fat cheese product
8 ounces (sliced or cubed)
98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
10 ounces (none)
Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with peppers
12 ounces (none)
Baked Doritos
6 ounces (crushed)
Taco seasoning mix
2 tablespoons (none)
Fat-free refried beans
15 ounces (canned and spreadable)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup, Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with peppers, and taco seasoning mix into the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
4
Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray, then layer half of the crushed baked Doritos evenly across the bottom.
5
Pour the beef mixture over the Doritos layer, spreading it evenly. Slice or cube the Velveeta cheese and distribute it over the beef mixture, ensuring an even layer.
6
Spread the fat-free refried beans gently over the cheese layer, making sure to cover it well.
7
Top with the remaining crushed Doritos, covering the entire casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Doritos Taco Casserole?
It is a one-dish wonder that combines taco night flavors with a cheesy, comforting casserole texture.
What are the primary ingredients in this casserole?
The main ingredients are lean ground beef, Velveeta cheese, cream of chicken soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes, baked Doritos, taco seasoning, and refried beans.
How should the ground beef be prepared?
Brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat and drain any excess fat before proceeding.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is needed?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do you layer the Doritos?
Layer half of the crushed baked Doritos on the bottom of the dish and use the remaining half as the top layer.
What type of soup is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of 98 percent fat-free cream of chicken soup.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use 12 ounces of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with peppers for a zesty flavor.
How much Velveeta cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of Velveeta reduced fat cheese product.
How should the cheese be prepped for layering?
The Velveeta cheese should be sliced or cubed to ensure an even layer.
How much ground beef is needed for this casserole?
The recipe requires 1 pound of lean ground beef.
What kind of beans are included in the dish?
The recipe uses 15 ounces of canned fat-free refried beans.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is ready when the cheese is bubbly and the top layer is golden brown.
Should the casserole sit before serving?
Yes, allow the dish to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this casserole can be made ahead and reheats beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep.
How many ounces of Doritos are used?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of baked Doritos.
How much taco seasoning is added to the beef mixture?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix into the beef skillet.
What is the overall texture of the dish?
The dish features a crunchy base and top with a creamy, cheesy, and savory filling.
Is this considered a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe ideal for busy weeknights.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as a one-dish wonder for easy preparation and cleanup.
Will children enjoy this recipe?
Yes, the recipe description notes that the whole family, including children, will love the flavors and textures.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, spray the 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray before adding layers.
When do I add the tomatoes and soup?
Stir them into the skillet with the browned beef and taco seasoning before simmering.
How do I apply the refried beans layer?
Spread the fat-free refried beans gently over the cheese layer to cover it completely.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include casserole, one dish meal, taco night, comfort food, and tex-mex.
What cuisine style is this casserole?
This recipe is categorized as Tex-Mex cuisine.
Is this a lower-fat version of taco casserole?
Yes, it utilizes lean beef, fat-free soup, fat-free beans, and reduced-fat cheese.
For what occasions is this dish best suited?
It is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, and family taco nights.
What provides the crunch in the casserole?
The crushed baked Doritos provide a crunchy base and topping for the dish.