Mediterranean Ground Beef Doritos Casserole
This dish combines the crunch and fun of Doritos with the bold, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean. Savory ground beef is seasoned with garlic, herbs, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, then layered with crushed Doritos, creamy Greek yogurt, and melty cheese. It’s a hearty, family-friendly casserole with just the right balance of creamy, cheesy, herby, and crispy.
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
¼ cup sliced black olives or Kalamata olives
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ cup water
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For the Casserole:
4 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (or similar size) baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add tomato paste, water, oregano, cumin, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened and flavorful.
Layer the Casserole
Spread half the crushed Doritos on the bottom of the baking dish.
Top with half of the beef mixture.
Dollop and spread half of the Greek yogurt, sprinkle half the shredded cheese, and some feta.
Repeat the layers: Doritos → beef → yogurt → cheeses.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
Let cool slightly. Top with fresh parsley or mint before serving.
Tips
Don’t Overcrush the Doritos
You want bite-sized pieces, not crumbs. This gives the casserole great texture without turning soggy.
Drain the Beef Mixture Well
Too much grease can make the casserole heavy and greasy. After browning, drain any excess fat before layering.
Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
The top layer should be melty with slightly golden edges. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra crispness.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes out of the oven so it sets slightly and slices cleanly.
Variations
Protein Options
Ground Turkey or Chicken – For a leaner version with a similar taste.
Lamb – Adds richness and bold Mediterranean flavor.
Plant-Based Meat or Lentils – Great vegetarian option using cooked lentils or meatless crumbles.
Cheese Swaps
Use halloumi cubes for chewiness or kefalotyri for a more Mediterranean cheese bite.
Skip feta and use ricotta for creaminess.
Flavor Add-Ins
Mix in chopped spinach, zucchini, or roasted eggplant to the beef mixture for more veggies.
Add a layer of roasted red peppers for sweetness and depth.
Heat it Up
Use spicy Doritos or add harissa paste, chili flakes, or Aleppo pepper to the beef mix.
Tomato Boost
Stir in ½ cup crushed tomatoes or a spoonful of pesto to enhance richness and complexity.
Topping Ideas
Garnish with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of tahini or tzatziki.
Top with sliced avocado for creaminess and contrast.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Q: Do the Doritos stay crunchy?
A: Doritos stay semi-crispy on the top layer but soften slightly in the bottom layers as they absorb flavor. For extra crunch, save some crushed chips to sprinkle on top halfway through baking.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Replace the beef with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils, or use plant-based ground meat. Everything else stays the same.
Q: What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
A: Use sour cream, labneh, or even a light béchamel if you want a smoother texture. For dairy-free, try unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, but note the chips may lose some crispness. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 26g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~680mg
Note: Actual values depend on cheese and chip type used.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Ground Beef Doritos Casserole is a creative fusion that brings together the rich, herby warmth of Mediterranean flavors with the cheesy crunch of a classic comfort food. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even as a fun twist for gatherings.
Thanks to its flexible ingredients and bold flavors, this casserole can be adapted for various dietary preferences, made ahead of time, or frozen for later. Whether you’re craving indulgent or balanced, this dish satisfies both worlds with flair.