Dorito Meatballs are a fun twist on classic meatballs, packed with crispy, cheesy Dorito crunch inside and out. Imagine juicy, flavorful meatballs baked or fried with crushed Doritos mixed right into the meat and sprinkled on top for that extra punch of cheesy goodness. They’re bold, a little bit crunchy, and totally satisfying.
I love making these when I want something playful and different for a game day snack or a quick dinner. The Doritos add a surprising texture and a touch of spice that everyone seems to enjoy. I usually use the original Nacho Cheese flavors because it gives just the right balance of cheesy and savory notes. Plus, the smell while they’re cooking is seriously tempting!
My favorite way to serve them is with a simple dipping sauce, like ranch or a creamy chipotle mayo — it really complements the cheesy crunch. They’re great for sharing with friends or family, and I find they disappear way faster than regular meatballs. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that turns an everyday ingredient into something exciting, these Dorito Meatballs are just the ticket.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: I like mixing beef and pork for juiciness and flavor. You can use all beef or even turkey if you want something leaner.
Doritos: Nacho Cheese Doritos add great cheesy crunch and bold flavor. If you want less spice, try plain or cool ranch Doritos.
Breadcrumbs & Parmesan: Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Parmesan gives a salty depth but can be left out or swapped for another hard cheese.
Barbecue or Buffalo Sauce: Barbecue sauce adds sweetness and tang; buffalo sauce gives a spicy kick. Pick depending on your taste or mix both for a unique flavor.
How Do You Keep Meatballs Tender and Crispy with Doritos?
The secret is balancing moisture inside and crunch outside—here’s how:
- Mix Doritos with the meat gently to avoid overworking, which keeps meatballs tender.
- Use an egg and breadcrumbs to bind but don’t add too many crumbs, so the texture isn’t dry.
- Coat cooked meatballs in sauce first—this helps the crumbs stick for a crispy outside layer.
- Add the second half of crushed Doritos last for extra crunch on top.
- Cook evenly by turning during baking or frying, aiming for a golden crust without drying out the meat.
This approach makes your meatballs juicy inside with a flavorful crunch outside—perfect for that Dorito twist!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough for mixing meat and chips without making a mess.
- Baking sheet or skillet – for cooking the meatballs; use a skillet if you prefer frying for extra crispiness.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your seasonings and ingredients just right.
- Food processor or plastic bag & rolling pin – handy for crushing Doritos evenly to mix and coat meatballs.
- Tongs or spatula – for turning meatballs during cooking without breaking them.
- Small saucepan – to warm up your sauce gently before tossing meatballs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that still works well with Doritos.
- Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside the meatballs for an oozy, cheesy surprise.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or chili powder for extra heat if you like spicy snacks.
- Try chopped green onions or cilantro mixed into the meat for a fresh, herby twist.
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
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For The Sauce & Coating:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (or spicy buffalo sauce, your choice)
- ½ cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos (reserved)
- Cooking oil (for frying or greasing the pan)
Time Needed to Make This Dish
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep the meatballs, 15-20 minutes to cook them, plus a few minutes to toss them in sauce and coat with Doritos. You’ll be enjoying your crispy, cheesy meatballs in around 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or get your skillet ready if frying. In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground beef, half of the crushed Doritos, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix just enough to combine ingredients without overworking the meat.
2. Shape and Cook Your Meatballs:
Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1½ inches wide. Place them on a greased baking sheet to bake or set them aside if frying. For baking, lightly brush or spray them with oil and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through so they brown evenly. If frying, heat a little oil in your skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning often, until browned on all sides and fully cooked inside, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Sauce and Coat Your Meatballs:
While the meatballs cook, gently warm your choice of barbecue or buffalo sauce in a small pan over low heat. When the meatballs are ready, toss them carefully in the warm sauce so they’re evenly coated. Then, immediately roll or sprinkle them with the reserved crushed Doritos so the crunchy bits stick to the sauce.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer your Dorito-coated meatballs onto a serving platter and garnish with extra chopped parsley. Serve them hot with toothpicks and some dipping sauces like ranch or creamy chipotle mayo for an extra tasty treat. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Dorito Meatballs at your next party, game day, or fun family dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm them gently in the sauce before coating with the crushed Doritos for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Make Dorito Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare and cook the meatballs, then toss in sauce and coat with Doritos just before serving. Store cooked, uncoated meatballs in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat gently.
What Can I Substitute for Doritos?
If you don’t have Doritos, you can use crushed tortilla chips or flavored corn chips. For a milder flavor, plain corn chips or crushed crispy breadcrumbs work well, too.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover Dorito Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave and add a little extra sauce to keep them moist.