Mexican White Trash Casserole: A Cheesy, Flavor-Packed Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty, cheesy casserole—especially when it’s bursting with Mexican flavors. I first came across this Mexican White Trash Recipe at a family gathering, where it was served straight from the oven, bubbling with gooey cheese and packed with spicy, savory goodness. One bite, and I was hooked! It was the perfect mix of crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned meat, creamy sauce, and melted cheese—a true crowd-pleaser that disappeared in minutes.

If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly meal that delivers on taste, this dish is your answer. It’s simple to make, requires minimal effort, and is ideal for weeknights, game days, or potlucks. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable—you can tweak it to fit your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Mexican White Trash Casserole

This Mexican casserole is made with easy-to-find ingredients that create a rich, satisfying dish.

Protein Base

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or shredded chicken)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or use homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp salt)

Sauce & Flavoring

• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a deeper flavor)
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a tangy kick)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Crunchy Layers & Cheese

• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Doritos for extra flavor)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack)
• ½ cup queso dip (optional, for an extra cheesy layer)

Toppings & Garnishes

• Sliced jalapeños (for spice lovers)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (adds freshness)
• Diced avocado (for a creamy contrast)
• Lime wedges (for a zesty finish)

Ingredient Variations & Substitutes

• Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Spice Level: Add extra jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce for more heat.
• Cheese Variations: Swap Mexican blend cheese for pepper jack, cotija, or sharp cheddar.
• Healthier Twist: Use baked tortilla chips and low-fat sour cream for a lighter version.

Instructions to make Mexican White Trash Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
3. Drain excess fat, then stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and black pepper.
2. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the seasoned meat, stirring to combine.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
3. Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom.
4. Pour half of the meat mixture over the chips.
5. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese.
6. Repeat the layers: remaining chips, remaining meat mixture, and another cup of cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with jalapeños, cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican White Trash Recipe is the perfect combination of cheesy, crunchy, and creamy flavors. It’s quick to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a game day snack, or a potluck, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turned out!