One of our family faves! Everyone always wants seconds!

Ground Beef Dorito Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. This casserole combines the savory taste of ground beef with the crunch and zest of Doritos, all smothered in a creamy sauce and gooey cheese. It's a family favorite in my home, and I bet it will be in yours too! Whether it's a game day or just a casual family dinner, this casserole satisfies young and old alike.

This casserole is quite filling and rich on its own, but you can balance the meal with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to add a fresh component. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. If you’re looking to please the kids, a side of corn on the cob or some apple sauce might just do the trick!

Servings: 6

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 package taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag (9.75 oz) Doritos, nacho cheese flavor
Optional: chopped green onions, sliced black olives, or diced tomatoes for garnish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is thoroughly browned and onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Reduce heat to low and let the beef mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

4. In a small bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.

5. Spread half of the Doritos across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, creating a crunchy base.

6. Layer half of the beef mixture over the Doritos, followed by half of the soup and sour cream mixture, and then half of the shredded cheese.

7. Repeat the layers starting with the remaining Doritos, followed by the remaining beef mixture, soup mixture, and shredded cheese.

8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

10. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions, black olives, or diced tomatoes if desired.

For those who prefer a bit of a kick, you can use hot salsa or add a diced jalapeño to the beef mix. If you’re catering to a non-beef eating crowd or looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes. To make it a bit healthier, opt for low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and baked Doritos. You can also incorporate more veggies into the mix, such as corn or bell peppers, to enhance the nutritional profile without compromising the taste.