Dorito Meatballs bring together crunchy, cheesy Doritos and tender, juicy meatballs for a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite. The surprise crunch and bold flavor from the crushed chips mixed right into the meatballs make them stand out every time. These meatballs are perfect for game day snacks, casual dinners, or anytime you want something a little different.
I love making these meatballs when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Mixing the Doritos right into the meat gives the meatballs a great texture and a little kick of flavor that everyone ends up asking for seconds of. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare — a quick change from the usual meatball recipe but with a lot more excitement.
My favorite thing is serving these meatballs with a simple dipping sauce, like ranch or a spicy ketchup, on the side. It’s a great way to enjoy them whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. I always keep a bag of Doritos around now, just in case I feel like whipping up this fun treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef
- This is the base for juicy meatballs. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken to cut fat and calories. I find beef gives the richest flavor!
- Doritos Chips
- Nacho Cheese is best for that strong cheesy taste and crunch inside and out. If you want less spice, try plain or cool ranch Doritos.
- Parsley & Parmesan
- Fresh parsley gives a fresh note, but dried works too. Parmesan adds umami — you can use Pecorino or even sharp cheddar for a different kick.
- Breadcrumbs & Egg
- Breadcrumbs help bind, but you can skip or use oats for texture. Egg ensures the meatballs hold together well.
How Do You Get Doritos to Stick Perfectly to Meatballs?
Coating meatballs evenly with crushed Doritos can be tricky. Here’s what works well:
- Make sure meatballs are lightly damp or tacky after shaping so crumbs stick better.
- Use finely crushed Doritos — not too chunky — for even coverage.
- Press the meatballs gently into the crushed chips bowl to coat all sides.
- If bits fall off during cooking, no worries! Additional crushed Doritos can be sprinkled over after cooking for extra crunch.
This method gives you that satisfying crispy layer without losing the cheesy flavor. Whether baking or frying, it works great!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for combining all the ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Baking sheet – great for baking meatballs evenly and keeping cleanup easy.
- Skillet – ideal if you prefer pan-frying for a nice crust on your meatballs.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your seasoning and Doritos amounts just right.
- Food processor or plastic bag & rolling pin – to crush Doritos finely for mixing and coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option that still tastes great.
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder to up the heat for spice lovers.
- Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese inside the meatballs for extra melty flavor.
- Try adding finely chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh, herbal twist.
Dorito Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup crushed Doritos chips (Nacho Cheese flavor recommended)
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra binding)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking)
For Coating & Serving:
- Additional crushed Doritos, for coating
- Barbecue sauce or your preferred dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing and cooking these Dorito Meatballs takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time plus 15-25 minutes for cooking, depending on whether you bake or pan-fry them. Overall, you can have this tasty snack or meal ready in around 30-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven or Skillet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs. If pan-frying, heat a skillet with some cooking oil over medium heat.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ½ cup crushed Doritos, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs (if using), egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to blend all ingredients without compacting the meat too much.
3. Shape and Coat the Meatballs:
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Then roll each one in additional crushed Doritos so they’re evenly coated on the outside. Press lightly to help the coating stick well.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
If baking, place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C). If pan-frying, cook the meatballs in the hot skillet, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the cooked meatballs and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve on a plate with barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. For extra crunch and presentation, sprinkle some more crushed Doritos around the plate.
Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy Dorito Meatballs as a fun snack or fulfilling meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for Dorito Meatballs?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before mixing. This helps the meat blend evenly with the other ingredients and ensures even cooking.
Can I Make Dorito Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance, then store them covered in the fridge. When ready, just coat with crushed Doritos and cook as directed.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep them tender and tasty.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Meatballs?
Yes, baking is an easier and less messy option. Just preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the coated meatballs on a greased sheet for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.