Mexican White Trash Casserole

Looking for a quick, comforting, and totally satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor? Let me introduce you to Mexican White Trash Casserole! Don’t let the name fool you—this dish is a total winner. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and zesty Mexican flavors, it’s one of those meals that’ll have you reaching for seconds before you even finish your first plate.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and easy to make. The best part? You likely have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen. It’s a no-fuss, throw-together dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, you’ll be coming back to this recipe time and time again.

Why You’ll Love Mexican White Trash Casserole

• Effortless and Quick: This casserole is perfect when you need something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Loaded with Flavor: The combination of taco-seasoned beef, cheese, and crunchy chips is irresistible. It’s comforting but with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this one. The flavors are familiar, but the twist of the casserole makes it feel special.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in veggies or swap out the protein for something else if you’re craving a change. You can make it your own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this easy, cheesy casserole:

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of this dish. Cooked up with taco seasoning, it’s the savory, flavorful base that brings everything together.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds that classic taco flavor and a bit of spice.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creamy base helps bind everything together and adds richness to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: For extra creaminess and tang, sour cream complements the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese: A generous layer of melted cheese on top is what makes this casserole absolutely irresistible.
• Tortilla Chips: The crunchy, salty topping that adds texture and a fun twist. Feel free to crush them up for a more even distribution.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to put together this easy casserole:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning. Add a splash of water if needed to help distribute the seasoning.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Stir well to create a creamy, smooth mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, layer half of the creamy soup mixture over the beef, followed by a generous handful of crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef, soup mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad. This dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 6 servings per casserole):

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 420 calories
• Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Vitamin A: 10%
• Vitamin C: 4%
• Calcium: 20%
• Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Mexican White Trash Casserole

• With Toppings: Serve the casserole with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
• As a Main Dish: This casserole is filling enough to stand on its own as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
• With Sides: Pair it with a light side, like a fresh salad or some steamed veggies, to balance the richness of the casserole.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like things spicy, add some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle a bit of hot sauce on top before serving.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in some corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes to add more texture and flavor to the casserole.
• Use Ground Turkey: For a leaner version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey. It will still be delicious and hearty.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of soup in this casserole?

A1: Yes! While cream of mushroom is traditional, you could also use cream of chicken or even cream of cheddar soup for a different twist.

Q2: Can I use crushed tortilla chips as the bottom layer?

A2: Absolutely! You can add a layer of crushed chips on the bottom of the casserole for extra crunch, though it might get a little soggy near the middle. But still delicious!

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How can I make this casserole spicier?

A4: Add more chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture, or use spicy taco seasoning to kick up the heat.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?

A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well! Assemble it and cover it tightly with foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time to cook.

Q6: Can I use different chips for the topping?

A6: You can use any type of tortilla chips you like! Nacho-flavored chips or even a mix of flavored tortilla chips can give it a unique taste.

Q7: Can I add more cheese?

A7: Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add extra layers of cheese inside the casserole or on top for even more gooey goodness.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Q9: Can I make this vegetarian?

A9: Yes! Replace the ground beef with black beans, corn, or a mix of your favorite veggies for a tasty vegetarian version.

Q10: How do I make this casserole less greasy?

A10: Drain the ground beef well after cooking and use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese to cut down on the richness.

Conclusion

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is the definition of comfort food with a fun, flavorful twist. It’s cheesy, creamy, and satisfying—everything you want in a casserole, and more. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy night or bringing something to your next potluck, this dish will always be a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, spicy bite!

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