Dorito Meatballs
Dorito Meatballs are a fun twist on classic meatballs, combining the crisp, cheesy crunch of Doritos with tender, juicy meat all rolled into one bite-sized treat. These meatballs have a…
Tip: save now, read later.
Dorito Meatballs are a fun twist on classic meatballs, combining the crisp, cheesy crunch of Doritos with tender, juicy meat all rolled into one bite-sized treat. These meatballs have a great mix of flavor and texture thanks to the crushed Doritos mixed right into the meat, which makes them extra tasty and a little bit different from your usual meatballs.
I love making these when I want something simple but with a little something special that everyone will enjoy. The Doritos add a fun crunch and a burst of flavor that makes these meatballs stand out. I find that using the nacho cheese flavor works great, but you can pick your favorite kind of Doritos to switch things up. It’s a nice change from the usual breadcrumbs and definitely a crowd-pleaser for game day or casual dinners.
These meatballs are great served on their own with some dipping sauce or tossed in your favorite pasta sauce. I sometimes pile them into a sub sandwich with melted cheese and extra chips on top for a crunchy finish. They’re perfect for sharing and always spark a few smiles because who doesn’t love a little Dorito crunch in their meal? I’m pretty sure they’ll become a regular in your recipe lineup once you try them out!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Beef adds great flavor and fat for juiciness. Mixing beef and pork can make meatballs even more tender. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken.
Doritos: Nacho Cheese Doritos bring crunch and cheesy flavor. If you can’t find them, other flavored chips like Cool Ranch or plain tortilla chips work well too.
Parmesan Cheese: It boosts savory flavor and helps bind. You can swap with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch if avoiding dairy.
Milk and Egg: These keep meatballs moist and help bind the mixture. For dairy-free, try almond or oat milk, and replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
How Do I Get Dorito Crust Crispy Without Falling Off?
Coating meatballs with crushed Doritos gives great texture but needs care to stick well and stay crisp.
- Press crushed chips gently into each meatball to ensure a good coat.
- Use half the chips mixed inside the meat for flavor and the other half outside for coating.
- Bake on a greased or parchment-lined tray to avoid sticking, or shallow fry in enough oil to crisp all sides without burning.
- Don’t flip too often when frying; let one side get crisp before turning to keep the coating intact.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to mix all the ingredients comfortably without spilling.
- Baking sheet or skillet – use a rimmed baking sheet for oven baking or a heavy skillet for frying the meatballs.
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray – keeps meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Meat thermometer – helps check doneness to keep meatballs juicy but fully cooked.
- Medium bowl for crushing Doritos – makes it easier to get even crumbs for coating and mixing.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – handy for turning and removing meatballs when frying.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten the dish; they soak up the Dorito flavor well.
- Add 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside the meatballs for extra melty bites.
- Try different Dorito flavors like Cool Ranch for a tangy twist or Spicy Nacho for more heat.
Dorito Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos, divided (about 1 large bag)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)
- Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil) for frying or baking
- Barbecue sauce or sweet chili sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to bake, or 8-10 minutes to fry. Total time is roughly 30-40 minutes depending on your cooking method. It’s quick, easy, and a fun snack or appetizer to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Cook:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you want to bake the meatballs. If frying, heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with half of the crushed Doritos, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley or cilantro, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make meatballs tough.
3. Form and Coat Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches across. Then, roll each meatball in the remaining crushed Doritos to coat them well. This coating will give the meatballs a crispy, cheesy crust.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
If baking, place the meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C). If frying, place meatballs carefully into the hot oil and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the meatballs and drain on paper towels if fried. Serve them hot, drizzled with your favorite barbecue or sweet chili sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or cilantro for a nice fresh touch. Enjoy your tasty Dorito meatballs as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for Dorito Meatballs?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the meat in the fridge overnight before mixing. This helps the meat combine evenly and cook properly.
Can I Make Dorito Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months and reheat when needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the coating crispy and the meat juicy.
Can I Substitute Doritos with Other Chips?
Yes! Tortilla chips, Cheetos, or flavored breadcrumbs work well too. Just choose a flavor you enjoy since it will influence the final taste of the meatballs.
