Get all the flavors of a classic stadium walking taco baked into a delicious, family-sized casserole. With a crunchy Doritos crust, seasoned beef, refried beans, salsa, and melted cheese, it is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yields: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
The Base & Filling:
Ground Beef: 1 lb lean ground beef
Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (e.g., McCormick Original Taco)
Water: For the taco seasoning (usually \frac{2}{3} cup, per packet instructions)
Doritos: 1 bag (approx. 9.25 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
Refried Beans: 1 can (16 oz) traditional refried beans (e.g., Rosarita)
Salsa: 1 jar (16 oz) chunky salsa (e.g., Pace Medium)
The Toppings:
Cheese: 2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese (e.g., Kraft)
Lettuce: 1 to 2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
Tomatoes: 2 medium tomatoes, diced
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Meat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until completely browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the taco seasoning packet and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 3–5 minutes until the liquid has absorbed and the meat is well-coated. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Bean & Salsa Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, briefly warm up the refried beans so they are easier to spread.
Mix the warm refried beans with the jar of chunky salsa until completely combined smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9 \times 13-inch baking dish.
Layer 1 (The Crust): Spread the lightly crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Layer 2 (The Beef): Carefully spoon the seasoned ground beef over the chip layer.
Layer 3 (The Beans & Salsa):Gently spread the bean and salsa mixture evenly on top of the beef layer using the back of a spoon.
Layer 4 (The Cheese):Generously sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 4: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is completely melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Just before serving, top the warm casserole with a layer of shredded lettuce and freshly diced tomatoes.
Scoop into squares, serve immediately while the chips are crunchy, and enjoy!
Optional Enhancements: Feel free to add dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or black olives on top before serving!