Dorito Meatballs are a fun and tasty twist on classic meatballs, combining the crispy, cheesy crunch of Doritos with juicy, flavorful beef. These meatballs have a perfect balance of savory meat mixed with the bold flavor of crushed Doritos both inside and sprinkled on top for an extra kick. They’re simple to make and bring a playful, crunchy surprise to a family dinner or party appetizer.
I love making these because the Doritos add a great cheesy flavor and texture that you don’t get in regular meatballs. Plus, they’re always a hit with kids and adults alike—the kind of dish everyone wants to try twice. I like mixing in a handful of crushed Doritos right into the meat mixture for a little extra oomph, and then topping with a few more before baking.
These meatballs are great served just by themselves with a dipping sauce like ranch or a bit of salsa, or you can add them to a sandwich or over rice for a quick and satisfying meal. I sometimes make a batch for game day snacks, and they’re always gone fast! If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing twist on meatballs, give these a go—you might find a new favorite in the mix.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground meat: Beef gives these meatballs a rich flavor, but ground turkey is a leaner option and works well too. I like mixing in turkey for a lighter bite.
Doritos: The crushed Doritos add a fun cheesy crunch inside and on top. Use your favorite flavor, like Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch, or swap for crushed tortilla chips if needed.
Breadcrumbs: Helpful if your mixture feels wet. You can skip them or use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for a different twist.
Barbecue sauce: This coats the meatballs with tangy sweetness. Try chipotle sauce or a spicy ketchup for variety.
How Can I Keep Meatballs Tender and Flavored While Adding Crunch?
Mix ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs. Adding crushed Doritos inside adds texture without drying out the meat.
- Use a light touch when mixing to keep the meat tender.
- Shape meatballs evenly to ensure they cook through.
- Bake at 400°F to get a nice crust without overcooking.
- Coat with sauce after baking to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Add extra crushed Doritos on top for crunch and visual appeal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – perfect for cooking meatballs evenly in the oven without sticking.
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your spice and ingredient amounts just right.
- Large spoon or spatula – helps gently combine the meat mixture without overworking it.
- Small bowl – handy for tossing meatballs in barbecue sauce after baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground turkey for beef if you want a leaner, milder option.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside the meatballs for gooey centers.
- Use different chip flavors like Cool Ranch Doritos for a tangy twist.
How to Make Dorito Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup crushed Doritos chips (plus extra for coating)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, if mixture is too wet)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or your favorite sauce like chipotle or spicy ketchup)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have a delicious batch of Dorito Meatballs ready in around 30 minutes, including the time to toss them in sauce and garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, 1/2 cup crushed Doritos, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but well, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Adjust the Mixture If Needed:
If the mixture feels too wet to form meatballs, add breadcrumbs gradually until it firms up enough to shape.
4. Shape and Bake Meatballs:
Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
5. Add Sauce and Dorito Topping:
Once baked, transfer the meatballs to a bowl and toss them with barbecue sauce until coated evenly. Then sprinkle extra crushed Doritos on top for a fun, crunchy coating.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the meatballs on a serving plate over a bed of crushed Doritos if you like. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. These are great served warm with ranch, extra barbecue sauce, or your favorite dip.
Enjoy your flavorful and crunchy Dorito Meatballs as a fun snack, party appetizer, or tasty main dish!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for These Meatballs?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before mixing so the texture stays tender and it cooks evenly.
Can I Make Dorito Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake the meatballs in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before tossing with sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Doritos?
If you don’t have Doritos, crushed tortilla chips or your favorite corn chips work well for that crunchy texture and mild flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and add extra sauce if needed to keep them moist.
