Craving the iconic Doritos Locos Tacos but want to enjoy them from the comfort of your home, or perhaps save a few bucks? Look no further! This copycat recipe delivers all the bold flavors and satisfying crunch you love, with a few simple tweaks to make it even better. Get ready to unleash your inner chef and create a taco experience that rivals the original, without leaving your kitchen.
**Why This Copycat Recipe Rocks**
Let’s be honest, the Doritos Locos Taco is a fast-food phenomenon for a reason. It’s a brilliant combination of familiar taco flavors and the irresistible crunch and zest of Doritos. But sometimes, you want more control over the ingredients, or maybe you’re just looking for a fun cooking project. This recipe offers:
* **Authentic Flavor:** We’ll break down the key elements to ensure you capture the true essence of the Doritos Locos Taco.
* **Customization:** Easily adjust the spice level, toppings, and even the type of Doritos to suit your preferences.
* **Freshness:** Homemade always tastes better! You’ll know exactly what’s going into your tacos.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Skip the drive-thru and save money by making a batch at home.
**The Ultimate Copycat Doritos Locos Tacos Recipe**
Here’s everything you need to create these crave-worthy tacos:
**Yields:** 6-8 tacos
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Taco Meat:**
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend, see below)
* 1/2 cup water
* 1/4 cup tomato sauce
* **For the Doritos Shells:**
* 1 large bag Nacho Cheese Doritos (or Cool Ranch, if preferred)
* Consider using the smaller ‘snack size’ bags for easier handling and less breakage.
* **For the Cheese Sauce:**
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
* 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional, for extra smoothness)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
* **For the Toppings:**
* Shredded lettuce
* Diced tomatoes
* Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping, optional)
* Sour cream (optional)
* Salsa (optional)
* Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
**Homemade Taco Seasoning (Alternative to Packet):**
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet
* Medium saucepan
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Serving bowls
**Instructions:**
**Step 1: Prepare the Taco Meat**
1. **Brown the Beef:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
2. **Sauté Aromatics:** Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. **Season and Simmer:** Stir in the taco seasoning (or your homemade blend), water, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce should thicken slightly.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the taco meat and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking. Keep warm while you prepare the other components.
**Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce**
1. **Make a Roux:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. The roux should be smooth and golden.
2. **Whisk in the Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This will prevent lumps from forming.
3. **Thicken the Sauce:** Continue whisking constantly as the sauce comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
4. **Melt the Cheese:** Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Velveeta (if using) to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. **Keep Warm:** Keep the cheese sauce warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent a skin from forming. Alternatively, you can place it in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting.
**Step 3: Assemble the Tacos**
1. **Prepare the Doritos:** Gently open the bag of Doritos. Be careful not to break the chips too much. You can carefully pre-crack the shells if you feel they might break easier when filling.
2. **Layer the Ingredients:** Carefully spoon a generous amount of taco meat into each Doritos shell.
3. **Drizzle with Cheese Sauce:** Drizzle a generous amount of cheese sauce over the taco meat.
4. **Add Toppings:** Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), sour cream (if using), salsa (if using), and jalapeños (if using).
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Doritos Locos Tacos immediately while the Doritos are still crunchy and the cheese sauce is warm and melty.
**Tips for Perfect Copycat Doritos Locos Tacos**
* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the Doritos shells will make them prone to breaking. Use a reasonable amount of each ingredient.
* **Warm the Cheese Sauce Gently:** Avoid overheating the cheese sauce, as it can become grainy or separate. Keep it warm over low heat, stirring frequently.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your tacos.
* **Customize Your Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own signature Doritos Locos Taco. Consider adding guacamole, pico de gallo, or pickled onions.
* **Don’t Forget the Crunch:** To keep the shells crunchy, assemble them right before serving. The moisture from the meat and cheese sauce can soften the Doritos over time.
* **Double Shell It:** For a more stable taco, you can gently insert one Dorito inside the other. It makes holding them a little easier.
* **Cheese choice:** The velveeta is optional, however, this is the secret to getting that smooth cheese sauce that is found on the original Doritos Locos Tacos.
**Variations and Adaptations**
* **Spicy Doritos:** Use Spicy Nacho Doritos for an extra kick.
* **Cool Ranch Variation:** Substitute Nacho Cheese Doritos with Cool Ranch Doritos for a different flavor profile.
* **Chicken Tacos:** Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option. Cooked chicken is also quicker since you will just need to heat it in a pan with the taco seasoning.
* **Vegetarian Tacos:** Substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version.
* **Low-Carb Option:** While you can’t exactly have Doritos on a low-carb diet, you could make the meat and cheese sauce to eat over a salad with your favorite toppings for a taco salad version that minimizes the carbohydrates.
**Serving Suggestions**
These copycat Doritos Locos Tacos are perfect for:
* **Game Day Parties:** A crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
* **Casual Dinners:** A fun and easy weeknight meal.
* **Taco Nights:** A unique and exciting addition to your taco night spread.
* **Potlucks:** A guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Serve them with:
* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish.
* **Refried Beans:** Another traditional accompaniment.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** For dipping and snacking.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad:** A flavorful and refreshing side.
* **Margaritas or Mexican Beer:** To complete the fiesta!
**Storing Leftovers**
While it’s best to assemble and enjoy these tacos immediately, you can store the components separately:
* **Taco Meat:** Store the cooked taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before using.
* **Cheese Sauce:** Store the cheese sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of milk to thin it out.
* **Doritos:** Store the Doritos in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature to maintain their crispness.
**Important Note:** Assembled tacos are best consumed immediately, as the Doritos will soften over time.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 450-600 per taco
* Protein: 20-30g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
**Conclusion**
With this copycat Doritos Locos Tacos recipe, you can enjoy the iconic flavors and satisfying crunch of this fast-food favorite without ever leaving your home. It’s a fun and easy recipe to customize and perfect. Grab your Doritos, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience taco bliss! This recipe offers creative license so that you can adapt it to your family’s desires and preferences. Happy cooking!