If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s equal parts comforting and fun, this Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy textures, melted cheddar, and crunchy tortilla chips, creating a symphony of tastes and textures in every bite. This casserole is perfect for casual dinners or feeding a hungry crowd, and it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Trust me, once you try this Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that each play an essential role in balancing the dish’s flavor and texture. From savory and spicy ground beef to creamy soup and sour cream, every component is there to make the casserole irresistibly satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef: Your hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Adds that classic Mexican spice blend that ties everything together.
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Brings a burst of tangy heat and color.
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup: Provides creamy richness and a smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy creaminess that balances the spices.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness on top and between layers.
- 1 bag (9 oz) tortilla chips, slightly crushed: Gives the casserole a wonderful crunchy contrast.
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained: Adds sweetness and a pop of texture.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein and a creamy bite.
- 1/4 cup diced green onions (optional): A fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color for topping.
- Salsa and sour cream for garnish (optional): Perfect for extra zing and creaminess when serving.
How to Make Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish well so nothing sticks later on. Setting the oven to the right temperature upfront ensures your casserole cooks evenly to perfection.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy. Once drained, stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions to infuse the beef with those irresistibly bold flavors.
Step 3: Mix in Creamy Ingredients
Next, add the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream directly into the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. This creamy blend is what makes the casserole rich and comforting.
Step 4: Layer Your Casserole
In your greased casserole dish, begin layering by spreading a layer of crushed tortilla chips on the bottom. Pour half of the beef mixture over the chips, then add a layer of corn, black beans, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers once more — beef mixture, chips, cheese — building the casserole with both flavor and crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble into a golden, irresistible topping. The anticipation during this bake time is half the fun!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the diced green onions on top for that fresh burst of flavor and color, if desired. Serve your Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe with salsa and extra sour cream on the side for guests to dollop on as they please. It’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Dicing fresh green onions or sprinkling chopped cilantro adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness that lightens up the dish. Offering salsa and sour cream alongside also allows everyone to customize their bites with additional zest and creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a bowl of guacamole for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve a simple mexican rice or refried beans to round out the meal and keep the flavors in harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
For game day or potlucks, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins or clear glass cups to show off the colorful layers. Adding a few jalapeño slices on top also brings welcome heat and flair to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to stash some for later. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the casserole and place it in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven helps preserve the crispy chip layers.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and increase the beans and corn for heartiness. You might also add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms to boost flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade touch or need a vegetarian option, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make your own creamy sauce with a roux, chicken broth, and milk.
Are the crushed chips necessary?
Yes, the crushed tortilla chips provide a vital crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy layers, making the casserole exciting with every bite.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole in the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner planning a breeze!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level mainly depends on the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes used. You can adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot versions or adding fresh jalapeños if you like it extra spicy.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe is truly a gift to weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers alike. Its layers of flavor and texture make each bite a little celebration of comfort food done right. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it holds a cherished spot in my recipe collection, and I bet it will in yours too!
Print
Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a flavorful, easy-to-make comfort dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, bold Rotel tomatoes, beans, corn, and layers of crunchy tortilla chips with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a satisfying combination of textures and classic Mexican-inspired flavors baked into one hearty casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Dry and Canned Goods
- 1 bag (9 oz) tortilla chips, slightly crushed
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Cheese and Garnishes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced green onions (optional)
- Salsa and sour cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is completely browned. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness. Stir in the taco seasoning according to the packet instructions to infuse the meat with spicy, savory flavor.
- Add Other Ingredients: Stir in the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream into the seasoned beef mixture until fully combined and creamy.
- Layer the Casserole: In the prepared casserole dish, create a base layer by spreading a layer of slightly crushed tortilla chips evenly. Pour half of the beef mixture over the chips, then add a layer of corn and black beans, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, tortilla chips, and cheddar cheese to build the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with diced green onions if using and serve with salsa and sour cream on the side for extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, consider adding jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning and cream of chicken soup are labeled gluten-free.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead, covered, and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use extra beans and vegetables.
