Mexican White Trash Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6–8

 Recipe Overview

If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, hearty, and unapologetically indulgent, Mexican White Trash Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish. It’s packed with flavors of the Southwest—ground beef, taco seasoning, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortillas—all baked into a gooey, golden casserole that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.

This is a one-dish wonder that brings together classic Tex-Mex ingredients with simple pantry staples, making it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or entertaining friends with zero fuss. It’s not about refinement—it’s about flavor, comfort, and satisfying your soul.

 Ingredients

Main Casserole:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is lean)

• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning)

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)

• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)

• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips or Doritos (Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch flavor work great)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings (for serving):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Sliced jalapeños

• Chopped green onions

• Diced tomatoes

• Hot sauce or salsa

• Avocado or guacamole

 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet

• 9×13-inch baking dish

• Mixing spoon

• Strainer (for beans and corn)

• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

 Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil (if using), then toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add the ground beef and break it apart using a spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Season and Combine

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, allowing the flavors to meld for 2–3 minutes.

Next, add the drained corn, black beans, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir everything together until well blended. Simmer on low for about 5 minutes, just until heated through.

Step 4: Layer It Up

In the prepared baking dish, start with a layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom—just enough to cover the base.

Next, spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips. Spread evenly, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.

Add another layer of crushed chips, followed by the remaining beef mixture, and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop.

Top with any optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, jalapeños, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.

 Intensity & Flavor Profile

This casserole is mild to medium in heat by default, thanks to the diced green chilies and taco seasoning. If you want to amp up the spice, here are a few suggestions:

• Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

• Use spicy taco seasoning.

• Choose spicy Doritos for a flavor punch.

• Serve with hot salsa or chipotle sauce.

You can also tone it down by using plain diced tomatoes (no chilies) and low-sodium taco seasoning.

 Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead:
You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate it covered, and bake it when ready. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

Storage:
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container.

Freezing:
Wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

 Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but you can make a complete meal by serving it with:

• A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette

• Mexican rice or Spanish rice

• Refried beans

• Cornbread or cheesy biscuits

• An ice-cold margarita or Mexican soda

For a fun twist, serve leftovers in taco shells or tortillas for next-day burritos or nachos!

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Based on 1 of 8 servings:

• Calories: 510 kcal

• Protein: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 85mg

• Sodium: 950mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutrition will vary based on ingredients used (e.g., regular vs. low-fat sour cream, cheese blend, or chip types). For a lighter version, try using lean meat, low-fat soup, and reduced-fat cheese.