This taco casserole features tender ground beef, bold taco flavors, plenty of cheese, and a Doritos layer for a crunchy, cheesy bite. It’s an easy, comforting weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
If you like casseroles, try Simple Ground Beef Casserole, Simple Breakfast Casserole, or browse other casserole recipes.
Why you’ll love it
This taco casserole is comfort food made simple: savory seasoned beef, black beans, salsa, corn, and melty cheese atop a crunchy Doritos base. It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings, budget-friendly, and a hit with picky eaters.
The familiar taco seasoning, beans, and cheese combine into a satisfying family meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
What you’ll need
- Olive oil – for frying the beef
- Ground beef – lean ground beef (about 90%) works well
- Doritos – any flavor you like; nacho cheese is classic
- Onion – adds a savory base
- Chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin – simple homemade taco seasoning
- Beans – black beans are recommended; refried beans work too
- Corn – canned corn keeps this quick and easy
- Salsa – pick your favorite jarred salsa
- Cheese – a Mexican blend or cheddar, shredded and divided
Suggested toppings:
- Fresh tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro and scallions
- Avocado
- Black olives
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Iceberg or romaine lettuce
Tools for this recipe
Most of this recipe can be made with basic kitchen tools: a large skillet for browning the beef and a 9×13 baking dish to assemble and bake the casserole.
- A sturdy skillet for sautéing the beef and onion
- A 9×13 (or similar) baking dish
- A spoon or spatula for mixing and spreading the beef mixture
How to make taco casserole
Overview: Brown the beef with onion and spices, stir in the beans, corn, salsa, and half the cheese, then layer over crushed Doritos and bake with remaining cheese until melted and bubbly.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and brown the ground beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. If there’s excess fat, spoon most of it out.
Stir in the drained black beans, drained corn, salsa, and half of the shredded cheese. Heat just until the cheese begins to melt and the mixture is warmed through.
Spread an even layer of crushed Doritos in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted. Serve with your choice of fresh toppings listed above.
Can I make taco casserole ahead of time?
- Yes. Cook the beef, onion, and spices, assemble the layers in the baking dish, let it cool, then cover tightly and refrigerate for 1–2 days or freeze for up to one month.
- If baking from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Cover with foil and bake for about 20 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Substitutions and variations
- Swap Doritos for any tortilla chips or Fritos for a different texture.
- Use a store-bought taco seasoning blend instead of individual spices.
- Add extra vegetables like red bell pepper—cook them with the onion.
- Substitute black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans.
- For more heat, choose a spicy salsa, use a hot cheese blend, add cayenne, or stir in chopped green chiles.
What to serve with taco casserole
- A simple green salad pairs well—try a cilantro-lime or chipotle ranch-style dressing.
- Start the meal with chips and guacamole for a complete Tex-Mex spread.
Leftovers and storage
- Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days; note the Doritos will soften over time.
- Reheat in the oven for best texture, or microwave until heated through.
- Portion and freeze leftovers for longer storage.
More Tex-Mex recipes you’ll love
- Skillet Salsa Chicken
- Creamy Taco Soup
- Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Easy Beef Taco Salad
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Did you make this taco casserole with Doritos? Leave a star rating and a comment to share how it turned out.
Easy Taco Casserole Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups crushed Doritos I used Nacho Cheese flavor
- 1 (14 ounce) can black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 (12 ounce) can corn drained
- 1 (15.5 ounce) jar salsa use your favorite kind
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or use cheddar) divided
- Toppings (optional, to taste): tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, avocado, black olives, sour cream, lettuce, etc.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and move the rack to the middle position.
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Add the oil and ground beef to a skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat.
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Stir in the onion, chili powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Continue cooking another 5 minutes.
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Meanwhile, place the crushed Doritos in an even layer in the bottom of a 9×13 (or similar) casserole dish.
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If there’s excess fat in the skillet, spoon most out. Stir in the beans, corn, salsa, and half the cheese. Warm until the cheese melts.
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Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the Doritos.
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Top with the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until hot and the cheese is melted. Prep toppings while it bakes.
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Serve as-is or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Serves 6–8 depending on portion sizes.
- This recipe appears in the casseroles chapter of the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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This recipe was originally published on December 17, 2019, and updated with new photos and improved instructions.