Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a fun and indulgent dish packed with cheesy, creamy, and bold Tex-Mex flavors. Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, crispy tortilla chips, melty cheese, and creamy sauce, this casserole is comforting and easy to make. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you crave a cheesy, satisfying meal with minimal prep. The combination of crunchy chips and rich flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb ground beef (or shredded chicken for variation)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 3 cups tortilla chips, crushed
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Toppings (Optional):

• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ cup guacamole or sliced avocado
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños for heat

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through.
3. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper, ensuring all flavors blend.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, simmering for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

1. In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips.
2. Add the cooked beef mixture, evenly spreading it over the chips.
3. Pour the creamy mixture on top, gently smoothing it out.
4. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, cilantro, guacamole, sour cream, or jalapeños.

Tips for a Perfect Mexican White Trash Casserole:

• For extra crunch, add tortilla chips on top before baking.
• Use shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a twist.
• Adjust the spice level with hot sauce or extra jalapeños.
• Make it vegetarian by swapping beef for black beans and corn.

This cheesy, crunchy, and comforting casserole is guaranteed to be a hit! Would you like variations, like adding refried beans or mixing in extra toppings? Let’s make it even more exciting.