Mexican White Trash Casserole

Introduction

When I first tried the Mexican White Trash Casserole, I was hooked from the first bite. The combination of crunchy Doritos, creamy chicken, and savory spices quickly became a favorite in our house. My family absolutely loves this dish, especially on busy weeknights when we’re craving something comforting and satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The best part? It’s super easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck. Every time I serve it, there’s barely any left, and people are always asking for the recipe. It’s the ultimate cheesy casserole with a flavorful kick that’s sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can Ro’tel tomatoes (with diced green chilies)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• ½ package taco seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Mix the filling
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro’tel tomatoes (with the diced green chilies), sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Layer the casserole
   Spread half of the crushed Doritos at the bottom of the greased casserole dish. Next, spoon half of the chicken mixture over the Doritos layer. Repeat the process with the remaining Doritos and chicken mixture. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
4. Bake
   Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. In the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the top to become golden and crispy.
5. Serve
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and serve hot, and enjoy this delicious, cheesy comfort food!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 430 kcal
• Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• On its own: This casserole is a complete meal in itself, with chicken, cheese, and a satisfying crunch from the Doritos. Serve it with a side salad for a well-rounded dinner.
• Top with sour cream: For an added creamy element, serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream on top.
• With extra toppings: You can top your serving with extra shredded cheese, jalapeños, or even fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Use Rotisserie chicken: For extra convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and effort.
2. Make it spicier: Add more diced green chilies or a chopped jalapeño to the filling for an extra kick.
3. Add more veggies: Incorporate corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
4. Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a larger crowd, double the ingredients and bake it in a larger dish.
5. Crunchier topping: For a crunchier topping, sprinkle extra crushed Doritos on top before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian version: Substitute the chicken with black beans or refried beans for a meat-free option.
• Beefy twist: Replace the chicken with cooked ground beef or turkey for a beef version of the casserole.
• Spicy version: Use spicy Doritos, or add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mixture for heat.
• Cheesy casserole: Add extra cheese between layers or on top for an even cheesier version of the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

• With a side of rice: Pair the casserole with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a delicious, hearty meal.
• Topped with guacamole: Serve with fresh guacamole on the side for a creamy, refreshing complement.
• As a dip: Make a dip version by serving the casserole in a larger dish and letting people scoop it up with tortilla chips.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. After assembling it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
• Storing leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until hot.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular Doritos instead of Nacho cheese Doritos?
   Yes, you can use any flavor of Doritos you prefer, but Nacho cheese adds the signature flavor to this casserole.
2. Can I use a different soup than cream of chicken?
   Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a slight variation in flavor.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Simply bake as directed the next day.
4. Can I make this casserole spicier?
   Absolutely! Add extra diced green chilies, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the mixture for more heat.
5. Can I use sour cream substitutes?
   Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative if you prefer.
6. How can I make this casserole lower in fat?
   Use reduced-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and lean chicken to lower the fat content.
7. Can I add more veggies?
   Yes! You can add corn, bell peppers, or even spinach to the casserole to boost its veggie content.
8. Can I use frozen chicken?
   It’s best to cook and shred the chicken before using it in the casserole. You can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to cook and shred them first.
9. How do I know when the casserole is done?
   When the casserole is golden on top and the edges are bubbling, it’s ready. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
10. Can I use regular milk instead of sour cream?
    You can use regular milk instead of sour cream, but it will change the texture of the casserole, making it less creamy.

Conclusion

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. With its cheesy, flavorful filling and crunchy Doritos layers, it’s a comfort food classic that’s easy to make and even easier to devour. Try it tonight and enjoy a simple, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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