Dorito Meatballs
Dorito Meatballs are a fun and tasty twist on classic meatballs, mixing in the bold crunch and cheesy flavor of Doritos right into the meat. These meatballs have a great…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Dorito Meatballs are a fun and tasty twist on classic meatballs, mixing in the bold crunch and cheesy flavor of Doritos right into the meat. These meatballs have a great mix of tender meat and crispy bits, giving every bite a little extra zing that’s hard to resist. They bring a playful snack vibe to a family favorite dish.
I love making these when I want something a bit different but still comforting and easy to whip up. The Doritos add such a cool crunch and a punch of flavor that surprises everyone at the table. I usually use the classic Nacho Cheese Doritos, but you can switch it up with any flavor you like. It’s a fun way to change things up without a lot of fuss.
These meatballs go great with a simple dipping sauce or tossed into a cozy pasta or even on a sub sandwich for a quick, tasty meal. I like to serve them with a fresh salad or steamed veggies to balance out all the cheesy goodness. They’re perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or any time you want a snack that turns into a meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using ground beef for its flavor and texture, but mixing in pork or turkey works well too for a lighter feel. Just avoid very lean beef or the meatballs can get dry.
Doritos: Nacho Cheese Doritos give these meatballs their signature cheesy crunch. If you want less spice, try plain or cheddar-flavored chips. Crushed tortilla chips can work for a similar texture.
Egg and Bread Crumbs: The egg binds everything, and bread crumbs add tenderness. If you want gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs or oats instead.
Barbecue Sauce: This coats the meatballs with a sweet, tangy glaze. Feel free to swap it with buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or even a simple ketchup and mustard mix, depending on your taste.
How Can You Keep Meatballs Tender and Crispy?
Balancing tender inside and crispy outside can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs.
- Don’t skip the egg and bread crumbs—they trap moisture.
- Bake on a lined tray at 375°F (190°C) so they cook evenly without drying out.
- After baking, toss in sauce for flavor, then roll in crushed Doritos to add crunchy texture on the outside.
- Serve immediately for the best crunchy bite, or warm them gently to keep the crisp.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking meatballs evenly in the oven without extra oil.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Mixing bowl – large enough for mixing your meat and seasonings comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the spices and ingredients just right.
- Wooden spoon or your hands – for mixing the meatball ingredients gently without overworking.
- Serving bowl – for tossing the cooked meatballs in sauce and coating with Doritos.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that still tastes great.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture if you like your meatballs with a spicy kick.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra gooey, cheesy bites.
- Try using different Dorito flavors like Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili to change the crunch and taste profile.
How to Make Dorito Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, plus extra for rolling
- ¼ cup bread crumbs (optional, if needed for texture)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or your choice of glaze)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake the meatballs, so plan for roughly 35 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep the meatballs from sticking.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, gently mix together ground beef, ½ cup crushed Doritos, bread crumbs if using, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape and Bake the Meatballs:
Form the mixture into small meatballs about 1.5 inches across and place them on your baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
4. Coat Meatballs with Sauce and Doritos:
While baking, pour barbecue sauce into a large bowl. When meatballs are done, carefully toss them in the sauce until coated. Then roll each meatball in extra crushed Doritos to cover them with a crunchy, cheesy crust.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the meatballs on a serving plate and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a fresh pop of color. Serve warm as a fun appetizer or alongside your favorite sides.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Dorito Meatballs!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before baking. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the sauce and Doritos coating properly.
Can I Substitute Doritos with Another Chip?
Absolutely! While Nacho Cheese Doritos add a signature flavor, crushed tortilla chips or other flavored cheesy chips like Cool Ranch work great too. Just choose a chip that complements the sauce and seasonings.
How Should I Store Leftover Dorito Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave. Adding a splash of extra barbecue sauce helps keep them moist.
Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake and coat with sauce and Doritos just before serving for best texture and flavor.