Dorito Meatballs
Dorito Meatballs are a fun twist on a classic favorite, combining tender, juicy meatballs with the bold, cheesy crunch of Doritos. These little bites pack a punch with their crispy…
Tip: save now, cook later.Dorito Meatballs are a fun twist on a classic favorite, combining tender, juicy meatballs with the bold, cheesy crunch of Doritos. These little bites pack a punch with their crispy coating and savory meat inside, making them perfect for snack time or a party platter. The mix of textures and flavors gives these meatballs a playful, comforting vibe that’s hard to resist.
I love making Dorito Meatballs when I want something easy but different that will get everyone’s attention. Crushing the Doritos right into the meat mixture gives the meatballs a unique flavor and crispy outside that feels like a little surprise with every bite. It’s always a hit when I bring these to gatherings—people always ask for the recipe!
My favorite way to enjoy these is with a simple dipping sauce, like ranch or a mild salsa, which adds just the right touch without stealing the show from the Doritos. They’re also great warmed up alongside a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a quick weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll want to keep Doritos in your pantry just for making these meatballs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Dorito Meatballs
Ground Meat: I like using a mix of beef and pork for juicy meatballs, but ground turkey or chicken works too if you want a lighter option. Just watch the cooking time as leaner meats cook faster.
Doritos: Nacho Cheese flavor is the best for that classic cheesy crunch. If you can’t find Doritos, cheese-flavored tortilla chips or crushed Cheetos can add a similar vibe.
Breadcrumbs & Parmesan: Breadcrumbs help hold meatballs together, while Parmesan adds flavor and a bit of saltiness. You can swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or oats if you’re out.
Egg & Milk: These bind the meat mixture and keep it moist. For dairy-free, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) and a splash of plant milk.
How Do I Get Doritos to Stick Well on the Meatballs?
Getting a good coating with Doritos crumbs is key to having that crispy outside. Here’s how I do it:
- First, crush the Doritos finely—but not too powdery—to give texture.
- After shaping the meatballs, gently roll them in the crumbs. Press lightly so the crumbs stick without squishing the meat.
- If the crumbs aren’t sticking enough, you can lightly brush meatballs with a bit of beaten egg before rolling.
- Cook meatballs right after coating; resting makes crumbs fall off.
Follow these tips, and you’ll get meatballs with a perfect crunchy Dorito crust every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – big enough to combine all ingredients comfortably without spills.
- Rolling pin or food processor – makes crushing Doritos quick and easy for a fine crumb coating.
- Baking sheet and parchment paper – great for baking meatballs evenly and easy cleanup.
- Skillet or frying pan – perfect if you prefer to pan-fry meatballs for a crispy outside.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – handy for turning and removing meatballs safely while cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, milder meatball.
- Add chopped jalapeños inside for a little spicy kick that complements the Dorito flavor.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for extra melty cheesiness inside each meatball.
- Use BBQ-flavored Doritos instead of Nacho Cheese for a smoky, tangy twist on the coating.
How to Make Dorito Meatballs?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including crushing Doritos and mixing the meatball ingredients, plus about 12-20 minutes to cook depending on whether you fry or bake them. Total time is roughly 30 to 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Doritos Crumbs:
Place Nacho Cheese Doritos in a ziplock bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin or use a food processor to make fine crumbs. Set aside about half a cup of these crumbs for coating the meatballs later.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add ground meat, crushed Doritos, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Form and Coat Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into small meatballs around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll each meatball in the reserved Dorito crumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs stick well and form a crispy coating.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
To pan-fry: Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
To bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally warm marinara sauce to serve alongside or pour over the meatballs. These Dorito Meatballs are also great on their own or served with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Meat for Dorito Meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen ground meat, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. This ensures even mixing and proper cooking.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
Swap the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just make sure the Doritos you use are also gluten-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the crispy coating.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Meatballs?
Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes works great and makes cleanup easier while still giving you crispy and fully cooked meatballs.
