This Doritos Taco Casserole is a delicious twist on taco night that is ready in just 30 minutes. Serve with a taco topping bar for a weeknight dinner winner!
Why you will love this
This Doritos taco casserole combines all the taco flavors we love in an easy skillet meal.
Want more Doritos recipes? Try Doritos Nachos, Doritos Cheese ball, and Doritos Chopped Taco Salad.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Ground turkey is my go-to for tacos. You can substitute ground chicken, ground beef, or chorizo.
- Spices - Turn to your pantry for these staples - chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powder, oregano and S&P. You can adjust the amount of these spices based on personal taste.
- Rice - Both white and brown rice can be used. You can also use leftover cooked rice.
- Cheese - I prefer Colby, but Pepper Jack and Monterey Jack are also great options.
- Doritos - Use any Doritos flavor you love, such as nacho cheese, cool ranch, spicy sweet chili, or flamin' hot. You can also substitute with plain tortilla chips or Fritos.
Step-by-step instructions
Refer to the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- Cook rice per package directions, using chicken broth in place of water for added flavor.
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add oil and onions and peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. (Image 1)
- Add the ground turkey and spices. (Image 2)
- Cook for 7-8 minutes until cooked through, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Add the taco sauce. (Image 3)
- Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Spread the rice evenly over the top of the meat/veggie layer. (Image 4)
- Arrange the cheese over the rice. (Image 5)
- Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. (Image 6)
- Top with crushed Doritos Serve immediately.
Topping ideas - Guacamole or sliced avocado, sour cream, cilantro or parsley, scallions or red onions, pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and black olives.
Variations
- Use corn and black beans in place of peppers and onions. Incorporate as a separate layer or mix into the turkey mixture.
- Add a layer of refried beans in place of the rice.
Tips
- Cook the rice in chicken broth for added flavor. I also like adding a bay leaf (optional) during the cooking process. Discard the bay leaf before adding the rice to the skillet.
- Use slices of cheese to provide a thick cheesy layer that doesn't simply melt away.
- If using ground beef or chorizo, be sure to drain the excess grease before building the remainder of the casserole.
- Set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their own plate with their favorite taco garnishes.
Storage and reheating
Store, covered, in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees until warmed through. Uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes to allow the Doritos to crisp up.
For smaller portions, reheat in the microwave.
Equipment
Deep skillet | Saucepan | Measuring cups and spoons
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Doritos Taco Casserole (stove-top)
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- chicken broth (use amount per instructions on rice package)
- 1 bay leaf
Taco mixture
- 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil (or similar)
- ½ cup diced green bell pepper
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 16 ounces ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup taco sauce
- 8 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 7 ounces nacho cheese Doritos (crushed, approx. ¾ of 9.25 ounce bag)
Instructions
Rice
- Add the chicken broth and bay leaf to a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Add the rice to the broth and cook per package directions.
Taco mixture
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the peppers and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the ground turkey and the dry spices. Cook for 7-8 minutes until cooked through, breaking the turkey apart as it cooks. Stir in the taco sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- When the rice is ready, remove the bay leaf and spread the rice in an even layer over the turkey mixture.
- Turn the heat to low and top with the slices of cheese. Cover for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Top with crushed Doritos and serve.
Notes
- Cook the rice in chicken broth for added flavor. A bay leaf (optional) adds more flavor. Discard after rice is cooked.
- Use slices of cheese to provide a thick cheesy layer that doesn't simply melt away.
- If using ground beef or chorizo, be sure to drain the excess grease before building the remainder of the casserole.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending upon the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
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