Creamy, crunchy, and downright comforting, Cheesy Hashbrown Dorito Casserole is one of those recipes that turns dinner into a celebration of flavor and texture. This dish layers savory seasoned beef, tender hashbrowns, a creamy cheese mixture, and a crispy Doritos topping for a weeknight meal that feels indulgent but is effortless to make. Fun fact: casseroles like this were originally invented to make feeding a family easy with pantry staples—so you’re carrying on a proud tradition when you toss this together.
If you love simple, crowd-pleasing recipes that require minimal prep, this one checks every box. It’s faster than many oven-baked dinners and friendlier on the budget than takeout. If you enjoy our twist on comfort classics, you might also like the cozy flavors in Biscuits and Gravy Hashbrown Casserole, another hearty favorite that uses similar pantry-friendly ingredients. Ready to dive in? Grab your skillet and a baking dish—this casserole is about to become your new go-to.
What is Cheesy Hashbrown Dorito Casserole?
Wondering how hashbrowns, Doritos, and a cheesy casserole all became best friends? Picture this: a weeknight where you want cheesy comfort, a little crunch, and big flavor without hours in the kitchen. That’s how this casserole was born. Is it a Tex-Mex mashup, a classic family casserole, or the result of midnight snack inspiration? Maybe all three.
People joke that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe proves it’s a universal truth—hearts, stomachs, and happy diners of all kinds. Try it and see why friends will ask for seconds and the crunchy Doritos topping disappears first. Give it a go and let this playful, satisfying dish win over your table.
Why You’ll Love This
- Bold, comforting flavor: The savory seasoned beef, creamy cheddar soup base, and melty Colby Jack create a rich, satisfying mouthfeel that hits every comfort-food note.
- Budget-friendly and easy: With pantry staples like canned soup, canned Rotel, frozen hashbrowns, and a single pound of ground beef, this casserole stretches ingredients into a filling main course without breaking the bank.
- Texture contrast that delights: Smooth, creamy interior meets a crispy, cheesy Doritos topping that adds a fun crunch and extra flavor layer.
If you enjoy the cheesy family comfort of this casserole, be sure to check out our twist on one-pan goodness in Cheesy Angel Chicken and Rice Casserole for another fuss-free dinner. Ready to make something delicious? Let’s get cooking.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This casserole is incredibly simple to prepare, combining cooked seasoned beef with frozen hashbrowns and a creamy, spiced sauce. It bakes into bubbly, golden perfection and finishes with a melty cheese layer and crushed Doritos for crunch. Expect about 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of baking for a total time of roughly 55 minutes.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, raw
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb frozen hashbrowns, no need to thaw
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), 10 oz
- 1 can cheddar cheese soup, condensed
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 oz
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, finely shredded for even melting
- 2 cups lightly crushed Doritos, any bold flavor you like
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 lb ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease carefully into a heatproof container.
- Return the skillet to low heat. Season the browned beef with 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Remove from heat.
- In the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the cooked and seasoned meat, 1 lb frozen hashbrowns (straight from the bag), 1 can cheddar cheese soup, 1 can Rotel (do not drain), 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 packet taco seasoning. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly until an even creamy mixture forms.
- Spread the mixture into an even layer in the casserole dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and allow the hashbrowns to get tender.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top, then scatter 2 cups lightly crushed Doritos across the cheese. Press the Doritos lightly so they stick.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the Doritos have set into a golden crust. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve With
- A crisp green salad with a light lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or corn for color and texture.
- Sliced avocado or a simple pico de gallo for freshness and creaminess.
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole as dipping/ topping options.
- Beverage pairings: an iced tea or a crisp lager balances the cheesy richness nicely.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient substitutions: Use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version. Substitute cream of cheddar with cream of mushroom plus 1 cup of extra cheese if you prefer.
- Dorito variations: Nacho Cheese Doritos give classic flavor; Cool Ranch offers a tangy twist—choose based on preference.
- Texture control: For a firmer bake, thaw and squeeze excess water from hashbrowns before mixing. For creamier texture, use fresh grated cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- Avoid sogginess: Don’t over-sauce the mix; stick to the listed soup and sour cream amounts to maintain the right balance.
- Even melting: Finely shred the Colby Jack so it melts quickly and evenly over the casserole.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Re-crush a few fresh Doritos or add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for best texture.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For single servings, microwave on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. For a whole casserole, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, covered with foil for the first 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning, then uncovered to refresh the Doritos crunch.
FAQs
What can I use instead of Doritos if I don’t have any?
Crushed tortilla chips, crushed crackers, or panko mixed with a little melted butter will create a crunchy topping similar to Doritos.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the ground beef with cooked seasoned lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute and follow the same steps.
Is it okay to use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
You can, but drain any excess moisture from freshly grated potatoes to avoid a watery casserole. You may need to increase bake time slightly.
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and cover the casserole, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese and Doritos topping just before the final bake to keep it crisp.
How do I make it spicier?
Use a spicy Rotel or add a jalapeño when browning the beef. You can also mix in a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne to the meat for extra heat.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Hashbrown Dorito Casserole is a simple, crowd-pleasing weeknight winner that brings comfort, crunch, and creamy satisfaction together in one pan. It’s easy to customize, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week. If you want inspiration from similar recipes or to see a branded take on this idea, check out DORITOS® Cheesy Hash Brown Bake for a Doritos-sponsored version and the Cheesy Dorito Casserole Recipe on the Samsung Food App for another tasty variation. Enjoy this dish, share it with friends, and come back to try more cozy recipes soon.
DORITOS® Cheesy Hash Brown Bake | Doritos: https://www.doritos.com/recipes/doritos-cheesy-hash-brown-bake
Cheesy Dorito Casserole Recipe — Samsung Food App: https://app.samsungfood.com/recipes/10745d59b4722da4a65ba0e8e14e22154d5
Cheesy Hashbrown Dorito Casserole
Equipment
- Skillet
- Casserole Dish
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Ground beef raw
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
Vegetables
- 1 lb Frozen hashbrowns no need to thaw
Canned Ingredients
- 1 can Rotel 10 oz, diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can Cheddar cheese soup condensed
- 1/2 cup Sour cream room temperature
- 1 packet Taco seasoning 1 oz
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Colby Jack cheese finely shredded for even melting
Topping
- 2 cups Doritos lightly crushed, any bold flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray or grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease carefully into a heatproof container.
- Return the skillet to low heat. Season the browned beef with onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Remove from heat.
- In the prepared casserole dish, combine the cooked and seasoned meat, frozen hashbrowns, cheddar cheese soup, Rotel (do not drain), sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly until an even creamy mixture forms.
- Spread the mixture into an even layer in the casserole dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and allow the hashbrowns to get tender.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top, then scatter crushed Doritos across the cheese. Press the Doritos lightly so they stick.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the Doritos have set into a golden crust. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.