A hearty and indulgent dish, Mexican White Trash Casserole combines layers of creamy, cheesy, and zesty flavors for a meal that’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and brings a Tex-Mex twist to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: A simple recipe that requires minimal prep time.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Crowd-pleaser: Packed with cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite toppings or additional ingredients.
- Great leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or turkey
- Taco seasoning
- Cream of chicken soup
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- Tortilla chips or Doritos
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and stir well. Mix in the cream of chicken soup and Rotel, combining everything thoroughly.
- In a casserole dish, layer crushed tortilla chips or Doritos at the bottom.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly.
- Top with shredded cheese, ensuring a generous layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with optional toppings like cilantro or jalapeños. Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein options: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative.
- Add beans: Mix in black beans or pinto beans for extra protein and texture.
- Spice level: Use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Cheese variety: Experiment with pepper jack or a smoky cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- Crunch factor: Substitute tortilla chips with Fritos for a fun variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
2. What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve it with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a meat substitute or increase the beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
4. What if I don’t have Rotel?
You can substitute Rotel with a mix of diced tomatoes and canned green chilies.
5. Is there a low-carb option?
Yes, swap the tortilla chips for a layer of cauliflower rice or a low-carb tortilla option.
6. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Of course! Homemade taco seasoning works perfectly and allows you to control the flavor and spice level.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. Adjust the baking time slightly as needed.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, diced fresh tomatoes with a bit of chopped green chili or jalapeño will work as a substitute for Rotel.
9. How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy?
To maintain crunch, add a fresh layer of chips on top just before serving.
10. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack cheese are excellent choices for their meltability and flavor.
Conclusion
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a quick, delicious, and satisfying recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any occasion. With its creamy layers and crunchy topping, it’s destined to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or need a meal prep solution, this casserole delivers every time!
PrintMexican White Trash Casserole
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish that combines layers of crushed nacho-flavored Doritos, seasoned meat, and a creamy filling, all baked to perfection. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (about 9 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or cooked ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken or ground beef, cream of chicken soup, Ro-Tel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning.
- Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Spoon half of the meat mixture over the Doritos layer.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the meat mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining Doritos, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- Protein Variations: You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option.
- Additional Toppings: Consider adding sliced jalapeños, black olives, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- Doritos Substitution: If you prefer, you can use plain tortilla chips instead of Doritos.