This Crunchy Southwest Beef and Rice Bake with Dorito Topping brings together bold Tex-Mex flavors with the satisfying crunch of Doritos. Perfectly seasoned beef and rice combine with black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, all topped off with a layer of crushed Doritos and gooey melted cheese. It’s an ideal family dinner or potluck dish that adds a fun, flavorful twist to traditional casseroles.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 45 minutes
Total Time:
- 1 hour
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef and vegetables. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and black beans. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring until everything is well-mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and carefully stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well-combined.
Step 8: Spread the mixture evenly again, then top with the remaining cheese.
Step 9: Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top of the cheese layer, pressing down slightly to adhere.
Step 10: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Doritos are lightly toasted.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Choose Your Doritos: Nacho Cheese Doritos work best, but you can try different flavors to customize the dish.
- Rice Texture: For a softer rice texture, cook the casserole covered for 10 more minutes before adding sour cream and cheese.
- Extra Spice: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the taco seasoning for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for a creamy, cooling contrast to the casserole’s bold flavors.
- Add a green salad with avocado and a citrus dressing for a complete, balanced meal.
- For a party or potluck, offer a topping bar with extra shredded cheese, salsa, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to the step of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
- Crispy Doritos: Add the Dorito topping just before baking to keep it crunchy.
- Use Leftover Rice: If you have cooked rice, reduce the beef broth to 1/2 cup and stir in the cooked rice before baking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 800mg (may vary based on choice of cheese and Doritos flavor)
Conclusion
This Crunchy Southwest Beef and Rice Bake with Dorito Topping combines comfort food with an irresistible crunch, making it a family favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, versatile for any occasion, and endlessly customizable. With minimal prep and big flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish for potlucks and parties. Enjoy the fun, Tex-Mex twist with every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Print
Crunchy Southwest Beef and Rice Bake with Dorito Topping
- Total Time: 1H
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor or your choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
tep 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef and vegetables. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, corn, and black beans. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring until everything is well-mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and carefully stir in the sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well-combined.
Step 8: Spread the mixture evenly again, then top with the remaining cheese.
Step 9: Sprinkle the crushed Doritos over the top of the cheese layer, pressing down slightly to adhere.
Step 10: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the Doritos are lightly toasted.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 800mg (may vary based on choice of cheese and Doritos flavor)
- Protein: 22g