This Dorito Casserole is the most requested dish in my house, and it’s easy to see why! It’s a comforting, cheesy, and crunchy delight that’s perfect for family dinners. Here’s my version, using ingredients I had on hand. Feel free to dress it up with onions and jalapeños for an extra kick.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs of ground meat (I used 2 lbs ground beef and 1 lb ground turkey)
- 2 cans of cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cans of cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans of evaporated milk
- 1 can of minced green chilis
- 1 family size bag of nacho Doritos
- Shredded cheese (amount to your liking)
- Sour cream and salsa for topping
Optional Add-Ins:
- Onions (diced)
- Jalapeños (sliced)
Instructions:
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Flavor: If desired, add onions and jalapeños to the meat mixture and cook until they are soft.
- Mix in Canned Ingredients: Add the cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and minced green chilis to the meat. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Casserole: In a large baking dish, layer half of the Doritos, then half of the meat mixture, and top with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining Doritos, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with sour cream and salsa if desired.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Comfort Food: This casserole is the epitome of comfort food with its cheesy, creamy, and crunchy textures.
- Kid-Friendly: The Doritos add a fun twist that kids love.
- Versatile: Use what you have on hand; it’s a great way to clear out the pantry.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and steps.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or parties.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from the meat and cheese.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients that you likely already have.
- Leftovers: Tastes great the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Comforting and Delicious: The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.
Tips for Making:
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in some corn, bell peppers, or black beans for added nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for extra cheesiness.
How to Store:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the casserole in portions. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.