Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and downright irresistible, White Trash Casserole with Doritos delivers pure comfort in every bite. This dish is unapologetically indulgent — a layered casserole of creamy chicken filling, gooey melted cheese, and crushed Doritos baked to golden perfection. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a guilty pleasure but is so satisfying that you won’t care. I made this with Cool Ranch Doritos once instead of Nacho Cheese, and it added a zesty twist that had everyone going back for seconds. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or game-day gatherings, this casserole is guaranteed to be the star of your comfort food lineup.
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White Trash Casserole with Doritos: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Bake
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting casserole made with ground beef, creamy sauce, and crunchy Doritos — the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s equal parts indulgent and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained slightly)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
- Green onions or jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, Rotel, sour cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined and creamy.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until melted.
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the beef mixture over the Doritos and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining crushed Doritos and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or jalapeños before serving if desired.
Notes
- Substitute chicken for beef and cream of chicken soup for a Tex-Mex chicken version.
- Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Use Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos for a fun flavor twist.
- Leftovers reheat well — just cover and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course / Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Doritos: The crispy, flavorful topping and base of the casserole. Nacho Cheese Doritos are the classic choice, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho work great too.
Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken — rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: The base of the creamy sauce that ties the filling together.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the casserole rich and smooth.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel): Brings a little spice and moisture to the filling.
Corn: Adds sweetness and texture that balances the cheesy richness.
Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack are perfect for that gooey, melty finish.
Onion and garlic powder: Simple seasonings that bring depth to the creamy filling.
Paprika and chili powder: Add a mild kick and smoky undertone.
Butter (optional): Melted butter can be mixed with the crushed Doritos for an extra crisp topping.
When I made this, I added a splash of hot sauce to the mixture for a little kick — it perfectly complemented the cheesy base and gave it that irresistible Tex-Mex flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, half of the shredded cheese, and all seasonings. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Crush the Doritos lightly — you want small pieces, not crumbs — and spread about half of them evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over the Dorito layer and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining crushed Doritos and the rest of the cheese. Drizzle with a bit of melted butter if you want extra crunch.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set slightly.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if you’d like a pop of color. Each bite delivers layers of creamy, crunchy, and cheesy perfection — a dish that feels nostalgic and indulgent all at once.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. To keep the Doritos crispy, reheat uncovered in the oven. This casserole can also be frozen — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy White Trash Casserole
Use Spicy Nacho Doritos and add jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery twist.
Beefy Dorito Bake
Swap the chicken for ground beef or ground turkey — brown it first with taco seasoning for extra flavor.
Veggie Lover’s Version
Add black beans, bell peppers, or zucchini for more texture and color.
Ranch Chicken Dorito Casserole
Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the creamy filling for zesty flavor.
BBQ Chicken Twist
Use BBQ sauce instead of sour cream for a smoky, sweet variation.
Extra Cheesy Edition
Add cream cheese to the filling and an extra layer of shredded cheese on top for true cheese lovers.
Taco-Style Bake
Layer the casserole with refried beans, salsa, and green onions for a Tex-Mex twist.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free cream soup and check that your Doritos are gluten-free.
Buffalo Chicken Dorito Casserole
Mix buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles into the filling for a spicy, tangy version.
Individual Servings
Bake in ramekins or small ovenproof dishes for personalized portions.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s perfect for saving time and adds great flavor.
Can I use another type of Doritos?
Absolutely — Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or even Sweet Chili Doritos all work.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel and skip the chili powder.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, it’s a great lighter alternative with a similar tang.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend melt beautifully.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
How can I make it crunchier?
Reserve some crushed Doritos and add them fresh on top after baking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add black beans or extra vegetables for a hearty meat-free option.
What sides go well with it?
A simple salad, Spanish rice, or cornbread balances out the rich flavors.
Conclusion
White Trash Casserole with Doritos is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of unapologetically cozy meal that brings smiles to the table and seconds to every plate. Whether you make it with chicken, beef, or extra veggies, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole that never disappoints. Pair it with a light salad or eat it straight from the dish — either way, it’s indulgent, nostalgic, and downright delicious.
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