Name: Doritos Taco Casserole (stove-top)
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked white rice; chicken broth (use amount per instructions on rice package); 1 bay leaf; 2 teaspoons olive 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)

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This post was originally published on September 15, 2022, and has been updated with new photos.

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!

overhead shot of taco skillet topped with crushed Doritos and garnished with jalapenos next to a bowl of guacamole.

Table of Contents show

Why you will love this Taco Pie with Doritos

This taco casserole combines Tex-Mex flavors in an easy skillet meal.

Made on the stovetop in just 30 minutes.
Ground turkey lightens up the taco base but is still so satisfying.
The addition of rice turns this into a meal-in-one.
Crushed Doritos add a cheesy, crunchy vibe everyone loves!
Easy to customize the layers with your family's favorite flavors. Keep reading for all of my variation ideas below.

Want more Doritos recipes? Try Doritos Nachos, Doritos Cheese ball, and Doritos Chopped Taco Salad.

Ingredients and substitutions

ingredients for Doritos taco casserole including ground turkey, spices, cheese, rice, and Doritos tortilla chips.

Ground turkey is my go-to for tacos, but you can substitute ground chicken, ground beef, or chorizo.
Spices - Turn to your pantry for these staples - chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, 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. I prefer Jasmine rice. You can also use leftover cooked rice.
Cheese - I love using 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 the rice per package directions, using chicken broth in place of water for added flavor. (Image 1)
Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. (Image 2)

cooking rice and cooking onions and green peppers.

Add the ground turkey and spices. (Image 3)

TIP: If using ground beef (or chorizo), wait to add the spices until after the meat has browned and the excess fat has been drained off.

Cook for 7-8 minutes until cooked through, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Add the taco sauce. (Image 4)
Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes.

cooking and seasoning ground turkey in a skillet.

Spread the rice evenly over the top of the meat/veggie layer. (Image 5)
Arrange the cheese over the rice. (Image 6)
Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. (Image 7)
Top with crushed Doritos. (Image 8)

topping meat mixture in skillet with rice then cheese.

taco skillet covered with melted cheese, then covered with crushed Doritos.

Casserole Toppings

Top this taco pie with your favorite taco fixings, such as:

avocado or guacamole
sour cream
cilantro, parsley, scallions, or chives
pickled red onions
jalapeños
shredded lettuce
black olives
salsa

skillet of taco casserole topped with Doritos next to a bowl of guacamole.

Variations

Add corn or black beans. Incorporate as a separate layer or mix into the turkey mixture.
Add canned green chiles or diced jalapeño for extra spice.
Use Cilantro Lime rice.
Add a layer of refried beans in place of the rice.
Try different flavors of Doritos or use Fritos corn chips.

close up side view of partially eaten taco casserole.

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.
If using ground beef or chorizo, be sure to drain the excess grease before building the remainder of the casserole.
Use slices of cheese to provide a thick cheesy layer that doesn't simply melt away.
Set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their own plate with their favorite taco garnishes.

top down shot of partially eaten taco casserole skillet.

How to store and reheat

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

Dishes to serve with Doritos Taco Casserole

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Doritos Taco Casserole (stove top)