Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake
Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake is a delightful one-dish meal that combines the savory flavors of taco seasoning, lean ground beef, and the crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos, all topped with a cheesy finish. This hearty bake is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or just when you’re craving comfort food with a twist. It’s simple to prepare, ensuring you can whip it up in no time. Let’s delve into this irresistible recipe that will surely please the whole family.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something uniquely satisfying about layering flavors and textures into a single dish. Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake brings together the classic tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine while incorporating a beloved snack—Doritos! This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also allows for customization, so you can easily suit your family’s preferences. The combination of spices, beans, and cheese makes it a rich and filling dish that will satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prepping or serving at parties, making it a versatile favorite!
Pro Tips for Making Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake
1. Customize Your Meat: While lean ground beef is the classic choice, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
2. Select the Right Doritos: Experiment with different flavors of Doritos such as Spicy Nacho or Cool Ranch to add a twist to the flavor profile of the baked dish.
3. Make it Spicier: If you love spicy food, feel free to add sliced jalapeños or incorporate a spicier salsa into the mix for an extra kick.
4. Top with Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh toppings such as diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños right before serving enhances both the presentation and flavor.
5. Mind the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the dish towards the end of the bake time to ensure that the cheese doesn’t burn. You want it perfectly golden and bubbly for the best texture!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the directions, here’s a quick summary of what you will need to create this delicious Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (halal-certified)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 2 cups crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, which should take about 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 3: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, allowing it to simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Now stir in the rinsed black beans, thawed corn, and salsa into the beef mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together before removing from heat.
Step 5: Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layer will provide a delightful crunch as the base of your bake.
Step 6: Spoon half of the beef mixture over the layer of Doritos, followed by sprinkling half of the shredded cheese on top to create a cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Repeat the layering process with the remaining Doritos, beef mixture, and finish with the remaining cheese on top for that bubbly, cheesy finish.
Step 8: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 9: Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will ensure the layers hold their shape when you serve.
Step 10: Top with dollops of sour cream, sprinkle over the chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro if desired, before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the layers ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. You may need to increase baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to replace the Mexican cheese blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese of your choice that melts well!
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute to create a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
How can I store leftover Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled bake before cooking! Just cover it well and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake it from frozen increasing the cooking time to ensure its cooked through.
Conclusion
Tex Mex Doritos Layered Bake is an excellent dish that embraces comfort food with exciting Tex-Mex flavors. Easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With layered textures, hearty ingredients, and a cheesy finish, it is bound to become a family favorite. Try it out today, and enjoy the delightful burst of flavors in every bite!
