This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Packed with ground beef, creamy cheese, crispy tortilla chips, and bold Tex-Mex flavors, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and Mexican-inspired spices is a proven winner.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Sour cream
- Diced green chilies
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Tortilla chips
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and diced green chilies. Mix well.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla chips, followed by half of the beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes for a different take.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with black beans or pinto beans and add more veggies like bell peppers or corn.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeรฑos or use spicy taco seasoning for extra heat.
- Cheese Choices: Try pepper jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for a twist on the flavor.
- Healthier Option: Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-sodium soups, and baked tortilla chips.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350ยฐF for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve it with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or some refried beans for a complete meal.
4. Can I use a different type of chip?
Yes, you can use corn chips, Doritos, or even pita chips for a unique flavor and texture.
5. How do I prevent the tortilla chips from getting soggy?
For a crunchier texture, layer the chips right before baking and avoid storing leftovers with chips on top.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and cream soups to make this casserole suitable for a dairy-free diet.
7. Is this dish gluten-free?
Ensure all ingredients, including the taco seasoning and soups, are certified gluten-free for a safe dish.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
9. Whatโs the best way to crush the chips?
Place the chips in a resealable bag and lightly crush them with a rolling pin or your hands.
10. How do I make it less salty?
Use low-sodium soups, chips, and taco seasoning to control the salt level in the dish.
Conclusion
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a delicious, family-friendly meal thatโs easy to prepare and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a quick dinner solution, this casserole is sure to satisfy. With its customizable ingredients and make-ahead convenience, it’s a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex comfort food!
PrintMexican White Trash Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines layers of crunchy nacho-flavored tortilla chips, seasoned meat, creamy soup, and melted cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (10 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or ground beef)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeรฑos
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:ย Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare Filling:ย In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning until well combined.
-
Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the Doritos layer.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining Doritos, chicken mixture, and cheese.
-
Bake:ย Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve:ย Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeรฑos for added flavor and color.
Notes
- Meat Variations:ย You can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option:ย Replace the meat with black beans and corn for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level:ย Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot Ro-Tel tomatoes and taco seasoning according to your preference.
- Make-Ahead:ย This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
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