Next, in a large mixing bowl, I combine the creamy sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese with the beef mixture. Once it’s all mixed up, I roughly crush about half of the Doritos and fold them in. This step adds a wonderful crunch that is just heavenly when baked. Now, I pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and evenly spread it out.
To finish, I layer the remaining whole Doritos on top for that signature crunch. I then sprinkle the rest of the cheese over everything before sliding the baking dish into the preheated oven. I bake it for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly. My kitchen fills with the enticing aroma of cheesy goodness as the casserole cooks, and I can’t help but sneak a taste!
When it’s ready, I take it out of the oven, and let it sit for a few minutes. I love to garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor before serving. Trust me, the vibrant colors and cheesy goodness are incredibly inviting!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve made this casserole multiple times, and I’ve found that using lean ground beef makes a huge difference. It reduces the amount of grease that can accumulate and keeps the dish from becoming too heavy. If you want to add extra depth of flavor, try cooking the beef with some chopped onion and garlic! It fills my kitchen with such a comforting aroma.
One of my favorite twists is to use different varieties of Doritos! Spicy Nacho or Cool Ranch can add an exciting flavor profile to the casserole, making it even more delightful. I tested this three ways, and the Cool Ranch variant truly steals the show, providing just the right zesty kick!
Lastly, if you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prep everything the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly. This little trick helps me enjoy more time with my guests when I host!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made (and seen others do) is to skip the draining of excess fat after cooking the ground beef. Not only does it make the dish greasier, but it can also affect how well the flavors meld together. Always drain that fat! It’s a simple yet important step that really helps balance the flavors. (See the next page below to continue…)