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Savory Walking Taco Casserole Recipe with Cheesy Doritos and Ground Beef

walking taco casserole - featured image

A quick and easy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and crunchy cheesy Doritos for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 large bag (9.75 oz / 276 grams) cheesy Doritos
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 4 oz (115 grams) diced canned green chilies (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
  6. Add diced green chilies and 1 cup tomato sauce, stirring to coat the meat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the crushed cheesy Doritos evenly across the bottom.
  8. Spoon half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the chips. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  9. Repeat layers with remaining crushed Doritos, beef mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden crust, watching carefully.
  11. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with optional sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or diced tomatoes if desired.

Notes

Crush Doritos by hand to keep uneven pieces for better texture. Avoid overloading with tomato sauce to prevent sogginess. Let casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and better flavor. Broil briefly for a crispy top if desired. For gluten-free, confirm Doritos and taco seasoning are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: walking taco casserole, cheesy Doritos casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, taco casserole, weeknight meal