Doritos Taco Bake – Plain Chicken

Let me share a little secret from my kitchen: this Doritos Taco Bake, inspired by Plain Chicken, is pure magic for a fun, family-friendly meal. It’s my go-to when I’m craving something cheesy, crunchy, and packed with taco flavors without much effort. One game night, with a bag of Doritos and ground beef on hand, I whipped up this casserole that’s like a taco dip meets nachos in the best way. The crescent roll base, taco-seasoned beef, and Doritos topping create a kid-approved dish that’s ready in a flash. Each bite is a mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy goodness, making it a staple for busy weeknights or potlucks. If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as tasty as it is easy, you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean (90/10), for taco filling.
• Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz), or homemade (see note below).
• Salsa: 1 cup, or 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce for milder flavor (e.g., Mateo’s, Pace Picante, or Kylito’s).
• Crescent Rolls: 1 (8-oz) can, for the base.
• Sour Cream: 1 cup, for creamy layer.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded, for gooey topping.
• Doritos: 3 cups, Nacho Cheese flavor, lightly crushed (about half a standard 9.25-oz bag).
• Optional Add-Ins: ½ cup black beans, drained; ¼ cup diced olives; ½ cup diced tomatoes.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, or guacamole.
• Optional Sides: Mexican rice, refried beans, or a green salad.

Note: Homemade Taco Seasoning (mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, ½ tsp oregano, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper).

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Shred cheese, measure salsa, and lightly crush Doritos into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and salsa (or tomato sauce), plus ¼ cup water if using tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Add optional black beans, olives, or tomatoes, if using.
3. Assemble the Base: Unroll crescent rolls and press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, sealing seams to form a crust. Spread beef mixture evenly over the crescent rolls.
4. Add Layers: Spread sour cream over the beef layer. Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded cheese on top. Finish with a layer of crushed Doritos.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and crescent rolls are cooked through. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top in the last 5 minutes, if desired.
6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with optional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, or extra sour cream. Serve with sides like Mexican rice or a salad.

Nutrition Facts

This Doritos Taco Bake is a hearty, indulgent dish with protein from beef and calcium from cheese. The Doritos and crescent rolls add carbs and fats, so pair with veggies for balance.

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fat: 25-30g
• Saturated Fat: 10-12g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 4-6g
• Sodium: 1000-1200mg (varies with salsa and seasoning)

Preparation Time

This taco bake is quick to assemble, perfect for busy nights. Prepping while the beef cooks keeps it efficient, delivering a cheesy, crunchy meal in about 30 minutes.

• Prep time: 10 minutes (browning beef, prepping layers)
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes (baking)
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve

• Family Dinner: Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• Game Day: Cut into squares and offer with extra salsa and guacamole for dipping.
• Kid-Friendly: Garnish with mild toppings like lettuce and tomatoes to keep it fun.
• Potluck Star: Double the recipe in a larger pan for a crowd-pleaser.
• Meal Prep: Store leftovers in portions for quick reheats during the week.

Additional Tips

• Control Spice: Use mild salsa or tomato sauce for kids; add jalapeños or hot salsa for heat lovers.
• Crisp Doritos: Add Doritos just before baking to keep them crunchy; don’t crush too finely.
• Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Make Ahead: Cook beef mixture and store in the fridge up to 24 hours; assemble and bake fresh.
• Freezing: Assemble without Doritos, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, add Doritos, and bake.

Budgeting the Recipe

This Doritos Taco Bake is budget-friendly, using affordable ground beef, canned goods, and a half bag of Doritos. Buy store-brand salsa, cheese, and crescent rolls to save more. The recipe serves eight, making it economical for families or leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other Doritos flavors?

A: Yes! Cool Ranch or Taco Doritos work great; adjust seasoning to complement the flavor.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Use gluten-free tortilla chips instead of Doritos and a gluten-free dough base; check salsa and seasoning labels.

Q: Why are my Doritos soggy?

A: Crush lightly and add just before baking; avoid assembling too far in advance.

Q: Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?

A: Yes, but it’ll be richer and less tangy; thin with a splash of milk if needed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp up.

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