Crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavor, this taco rice bowl with Doritos is one of my favorite comfort meals. I layer fluffy rice with seasoned beef, fresh toppings, and crushed Doritos for a fun, flavorful twist that’s both hearty and customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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I combine warm, savory taco meat with crisp Doritos for a mix of textures in every bite.
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I can prepare all the components ahead, then assemble when it’s time to eat.
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It’s easy to customize with different proteins, toppings, and chip flavors.
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It works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for casual gatherings.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef: 1 pound
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Taco seasoning: 1 packet (or homemade blend)
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Cooked white or brown rice: 4 cups
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Nacho cheese Doritos: 2 cups, lightly crushed
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Shredded lettuce: 2 cups
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Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: 1 cup
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Salsa: 1 cup
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Sour cream: ½ cup
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Diced tomatoes: 1 cup
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Sliced black olives: ½ cup (optional)
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Avocado: 1, diced (optional)
directions
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I cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
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I drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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I prepare the rice and fluff it with a fork.
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To assemble, I divide rice between bowls, top with taco meat, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, olives, avocado, and salsa.
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I finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed Doritos and a dollop of sour cream.
Servings and timing
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Yield: About 4 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Chicken version: I swap the beef for seasoned shredded chicken.
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Spicy: I use Spicy Sweet Chili or Flamin’ Hot Doritos for more heat.
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Vegetarian: I replace the beef with black beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
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Cilantro-lime rice: I stir chopped cilantro and lime juice into the rice before assembling.
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Extra toppings: I add corn, jalapeños, or pickled red onions.
storage/reheating
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Refrigerate: I store the beef, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: I warm the beef and rice in the microwave or on the stove before assembling fresh bowls.
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Doritos: I keep them sealed at room temperature and add them right before serving to keep them crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use flavored rice?
I can — Mexican or Spanish rice adds extra flavor to the base.
What Doritos flavor works best?
I love Nacho Cheese for the classic taste, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili make fun variations.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — I prep the meat, rice, and toppings in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
I add them at the very last moment to preserve crunch.
Can I make this low-carb?
I can replace rice with cauliflower rice and choose a lower-carb chip alternative or skip chips entirely.
Conclusion
I love how this taco rice bowl with Doritos turns simple ingredients into a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. With its layers of textures, easy prep, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a dish I reach for when I want something both fun and filling.
Print
Taco Rice Bowl with Doritos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A fun and flavorful Tex-Mex-inspired rice bowl layered with seasoned taco beef, fresh toppings, and crushed Doritos for a crunchy, cheesy twist.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
4 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Prepare and fluff rice.
- Divide rice among bowls and top with taco meat, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, olives, avocado, and salsa.
- Sprinkle generously with crushed Doritos and finish with a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
Swap beef for shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based protein for variety.
Use Spicy Sweet Chili or Flamin’ Hot Doritos for extra heat.
Add cilantro and lime juice to rice for a bright flavor boost.
Keep Doritos separate until serving to maintain crunch.
Store beef, rice, and toppings separately; assemble fresh for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Assembly
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg