preparation:

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy cleanup.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken or ground beef, 1 cup of shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning until fully mixed.

Start Layering: Spread half of the crushed Doritos across the bottom of the casserole dish. Spoon half of the meat mixture over the chips and spread evenly. Repeat the layers with the remaining Doritos and meat mixture.

Add Cheese: If desired, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top to create a melty, golden crust.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. For a double batch in a larger pan, extend the baking time to about 45 minutes.

Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes to set, and then serve while warm.

Notes:

Protein Options: This recipe works well with shredded chicken or ground beef, but you can substitute with ground turkey, pulled pork, or even a vegetarian protein like black beans for variety.