My kitchen smelled like a movie theater crossed with a bustling Mexican cantina the first time I tried this dish. I was craving something gloriously indulgent, a true “fun Friday” feast, and staring at a bag of Doritos Nacho Cheese. The idea hit me: what if the chip was the base? The result was this epic, shareable, utterly crave-worthy Doritos Nacho platter. It’s not just food; it’s an experience—a messy, cheesy, crunchy, joyful celebration of bold flavors that turns any ordinary night into a fiesta. I’m so excited for you to try it and see your friends’ eyes light up.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of Doritos Nacho Cheese chips
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Now, let’s talk ingredients. The star is obviously the Doritos—that iconic, tangy, cheesy flavor is the foundation, so don’t swap for a plain tortilla chip. For the beef, I’ve learned 80/20 fat ratio keeps it juicy. That pre-shredded cheddar is tempting for convenience, but trust me, shredding a block yourself melts so much creamier and doesn’t have the anti-caking agents. The fresh cilantro and jalapenos? Non-negotiable for me. They add the vital pop of freshness and heat that cuts through all the richness. If you’re not a fan of heat, remove the jalapeno seeds, but don’t skip them entirely.
Equipment Needed
- A large, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Oven (for the final melt)
You don’t need fancy gear here, but one item is crucial: an oven-safe skillet. I use my trusty cast-iron because it goes from stovetop to broiler seamlessly. If you don’t have one, you can brown the beef in any pan and transfer it all to a baking dish for the final cheese melt, but it’s more to wash. A good sharp knife makes prepping those fresh toppings a joy, not a chore. This is a one-pan wonder at heart, designed for minimal cleanup so you can maximize enjoyment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I preheat my oven’s broiler to high. Then, in my skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef, breaking it up into perfect little crumbles. I season it generously with just a pinch of salt and pepper—remember, the Doritos are already powerfully seasoned. I drain any excess grease, because nobody wants a soggy chip situation. This is where the amazing savory smell starts to fill the kitchen. I leave the beef right in the warm skillet off the heat.
Next, I create the base. I pour the entire bag of Doritos Nacho Cheese chips directly into the skillet over the beef. I gently press and toss them just a bit so they mix with the beef and start to nestle in, creating a glorious, uneven layer. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about ensuring every scoop gets a bit of everything. I then blanket the whole thing evenly with my freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Watching the cheese begin to cling to the warm chips and beef is a beautiful thing.(See the next page below to continue…)