When you’re craving something comforting, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor, this Mexican White Trash Casserole hits the spot. It’s the perfect blend of down-home comfort and Tex-Mex zest. Made with layers of ground beef, creamy cheese, salsa, beans, and crushed chips, it’s a one-pan meal your whole family will devour.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, feeding picky eaters, or just need an easy weeknight dinner with leftovers for lunch, this casserole delivers every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 4 cups crushed tortilla chips or Doritos (nacho cheese flavor works great)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, olives, green onions for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
- To the cooked meat, add Rotel, black beans, corn, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, taco seasoning, and cumin. Stir to combine and simmer for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
- Spread half of the crushed chips into the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture, then 1½ cups of cheese. Repeat the layers: chips, meat mixture, cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is hot in the center.
Step 6: Top and Serve
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with jalapeños, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Variation:
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy salsa, hot Rotel, or pepper jack cheese
- Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken
- Creamier Option: Add a second can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- Healthier Twist: Use baked tortilla chips and ground turkey or chicken
- Veggie Style: Skip the meat and add extra beans, zucchini, and bell peppers
COOKING Note:
Crushed chips can be layered lightly to prevent sogginess—don’t overdo it. If using Doritos, add most on the bottom and a few sprinkled on top for crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or Spanish cauliflower rice
- Add a fresh salad with lime vinaigrette or creamy cilantro dressing
- Spoon into taco shells or lettuce wraps for fun handheld servings
- Pair with chips and guacamole or queso
- Delicious with margaritas or a cold cerveza for game night!
Tips:
- For added crunch, reserve a small amount of chips to sprinkle on top after baking
- This dish is great for potlucks—it travels well and reheats beautifully
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—perfect for lunch or nachos
- Use foil to cover for the first 15 minutes if you prefer a softer top layer
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings):
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~25g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Sodium: ~750mg
Estimates may vary based on brands and toppings used.
❓FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if starting from cold.
What kind of chips work best?
- Nacho cheese Doritos, tortilla chips, or even Fritos corn chips work well. Choose your favorite!
Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
How do I make this vegetarian?
- Skip the meat and double the beans and corn. Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture.
Is there a way to lighten it up?
- Use low-fat sour cream, lean ground turkey, and baked chips for a lighter version.
Conclusion:
Mexican White Trash Casserole is one of those unapologetically comforting, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dishes you’ll make again and again. It’s full of bold Tex-Mex flavor, super easy to throw together, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cheesy weeknight dinner with leftovers, this dish is here to bring flavor, fun, and full bellies.