Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 ounce bag frozen corn
- 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes with green chilies (NOT drained)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 1 cup black beans (optional)
For the Doritos Crust and Topping
- 2 cups finely crushed Doritos
- 1 cup loosely crushed Doritos
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado slices
- Additional sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Crush Doritos: Gently crush the Doritos chips, separating 2 cups to be crushed finely like bread crumbs, and 1 cup to remain as larger chunks. Place them in a gallon Ziploc bag and crush with your hands carefully, setting aside for later layering.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Combine Vegetables, Seasoning, and Chips: To the skillet, add frozen corn, taco seasoning, the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice), and the 2 cups of finely crushed Doritos. If using, add black beans at this stage as well. Stir everything together to evenly combine.
- Mix with Sour Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and 2 cups of the Mexican blend cheese until melted cheese is evenly distributed within the mixture.
- Assemble in Dish and Initial Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes until the casserole is warmed through.
- Add Topping and Final Bake: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the top, followed by the 1 cup of loosely crushed Doritos. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, until the cheese melts and the chips on top are slightly toasted.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove casserole from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, and additional sour cream if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra black beans.
- If preferred, swap Doritos for a gluten-free corn chip to make the casserole gluten free.
- The casserole reheats well in the microwave or oven for leftovers.
- Add a bit of diced jalapeño for extra heat if desired.
- Drain the tomatoes slightly if you prefer a less saucy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American