Spread the love

What is Mexican White Trash Casserole?

Despite the name being a bit controversial, the “Mexican White Trash Casserole” has become a well-loved internet recipe thanks to its easy prep, affordable ingredients, and bold flavors. It’s essentially a layered Tex-Mex-style casserole that includes seasoned ground beef, creamy sauces, corn chips or tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and fresh toppings like jalapeños and cilantro.

Think of it as a cross between tacos, nachos, and lasagna—all baked into one dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Most of the prep can be done in under 20 minutes.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks.
Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry and freezer ingredients.
Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, swap proteins, or make it vegetarian.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into the traditional Mexican White Trash Casserole:

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco spice blend)
1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 bag of tortilla chips or corn chips (about 10–12 oz)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, black olives, corn, or avocado

PIN IT

How to Make Mexican White Trash Casserole

Follow these step-by-step instructions to get that cheesy, bubbly, golden-top casserole that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or baking pan.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes until well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer

In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. This is the base that gives the casserole its rich, creamy texture.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Start layering in your casserole dish:

Begin with a layer of crushed tortilla chips at the bottom.
Add a layer of the cooked taco meat mixture.
Spread a generous layer of the creamy soup mix.
Sprinkle shredded cheese.
Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to get a bubbly, golden crust.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Once out of the oven, top with your favorite garnishes like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions.

Tips for Best Results

Crunch Factor: Add a fresh layer of tortilla chips just before serving to keep some crunch.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Spice Control: Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot Rotel, or omitting jalapeños for kids.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some diced bell peppers, corn, or beans for extra nutrition.

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Classic

PIN IT

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is filling on its own, but you can pair it with:

A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
Guacamole and salsa
Mexican rice or refried beans
A cold Mexican soda or margarita

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, substitute the meat with black beans, refried beans, or a plant-based crumble.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom or chicken soup?
You can use a homemade white sauce or substitute with sour cream and extra cheese.
Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, shredded cooked chicken works perfectly.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s mildly spicy if using regular Rotel and taco seasoning. Adjust by using mild versions or adding extra heat with hot sauce or jalapeños.
What type of chips work best?
Tortilla chips hold up better than thin corn chips. Go for sturdy restaurant-style chips.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat sour cream, cheese, and soups.
What cheese melts best in this casserole?
A Mexican blend or cheddar/jack combo works great for meltiness and flavor.
Will the chips become soggy?
Some chips will soften, creating a lasagna-like texture. Add a layer of fresh chips when serving if you want crunch.
Can I add veggies to the mix?
Definitely. Bell peppers, corn, onions, or even zucchini blend well with the dish.
How long does it take to bake?
Bake for 35 minutes total: 25 covered and 10 uncovered.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes. Kids love the cheesy layers. Omit spicy toppings if needed.
What should I serve with it?
Mexican rice, a green salad, or beans make perfect side dishes.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or make two casseroles side-by-side.

Final Thoughts

The Mexican White Trash Casserole is more than just a quirky name—it’s a rich, cheesy, layered masterpiece of Tex-Mex flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or lazy weekends, it’s a comfort food dish that never disappoints. With the flexibility to customize ingredients and spice levels, it’s a recipe that works for everyone.

So next time you’re craving something indulgent, bold, and satisfying, give this casserole a try. It’s bound to become a regular in your home—and a favorite on your blog.