10 Minute Mexican White Trash Casserole That Will Blow Your Mind

Oh my gosh, you guys – this Mexican white trash casserole is my go-to when I need something hearty, delicious, and ridiculously easy to throw together. It's the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen genius with minimal effort. I first had it at a potluck years ago (shoutout to my friend Sarah who brought it in a beat-up Pyrex dish) and immediately demanded the recipe.

What makes it so special? Imagine all the best parts of nachos and tacos baked into one glorious, cheesy, crunchy casserole. The name might sound funny, but trust me – this is comfort food at its finest. It's perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or when you just don't feel like cooking anything complicated. Plus, it's practically foolproof – even my brother who burns toast can make this!

Why You’ll Love This Mexican White Trash Casserole

Okay, let me count the ways this casserole will steal your heart (and probably become your new favorite weeknight dinner). First off, it's the ultimate lazy cook's dream – minimal prep, one pan, and you're done. But don't let that fool you; the flavors are anything but lazy. Here's why you'll keep coming back to this recipe:

• It's crazy easy: Browning some beef, mixing a few cans, and layering chips – that's it! No fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen.
• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for potlucks or hungry teenagers. Just double it in a bigger dish.
• Customizable heat: Make it mild for kids or add jalapeños for a kick – it's all up to you.
• That addictive texture: Crunchy chips, melty cheese, and creamy sauce all in one bite? Yes please!

Seriously, this is the kind of dish that disappears fast and has everyone asking for seconds. Even my picky niece who "hates casseroles" devours this one!

Ingredients for Mexican White Trash Casserole

Here's the beautiful part - you probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now! I love recipes like this that don't require any fancy grocery store trips. Just grab these simple things (and yes, the exact measurements matter - I learned that the hard way when I eyeballed the taco seasoning once... oops!):

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean/fat): That little extra fat keeps it juicy. You can drain it after browning if you prefer.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Don't substitute cream of mushroom - trust me, it makes a difference!
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Rotel works great here for that perfect kick.
• 1 cup sour cream: Full-fat gives the creamiest results, but light works in a pinch.
• 1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips: I crush about ¾ of the bag for the layers, then save some whole ones for topping.
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning: My secret? Use half first, taste, then add more if needed.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Because more cheese is always better, right?

See? Nothing complicated - just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something magical. Now let's get cooking!

How to Make Mexican White Trash Casserole

Alright, let's get to the fun part - putting this bad boy together! It's seriously so simple, but I'll walk you through each step because I've learned a few tricks over the years to make it absolutely perfect. You're gonna love how quickly this comes together once you start layering. Here's exactly how I do it:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

First things first - crank your oven to 350°F so it's ready when you are. Now grab your favorite skillet (I use my trusty cast iron) and brown that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up real good as it cooks - you want nice small crumbles. Once it's no longer pink, drain off most of the fat (leave just a tablespoon for flavor!), then sprinkle in that taco seasoning. Stir it up and let it cook for another minute or two - this is when the magic starts!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

While the beef cools slightly, grab a big mixing bowl and dump in your cream of chicken soup, the entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice and all!), and that glorious sour cream. Stir it all together until it's nice and smooth - no need to be gentle here, just mix it up good. The sour cream might look a little lumpy at first, but keep going and it'll blend right in.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Time to assemble! In your 9x13 baking dish, spread out about half of your crushed tortilla chips - press them down a bit so they form a nice base. Next comes that seasoned beef, spread evenly over the chips. Pour your sauce mixture over the beef and use a spatula to spread it to all the edges. Top with the remaining chips (I like some bigger pieces here for extra crunch), then blanket the whole thing with that shredded cheddar. Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes - you'll know it's done when the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges. Try to wait 5 minutes before digging in (I never can!), but it helps the layers set up perfectly.

Tips for the Best Mexican White Trash Casserole

After making this casserole more times than I can count, I've picked up some game-changing tricks! First - crushing those tortilla chips makes all the difference. I put them in a bag and give them a few good whacks with a rolling pin. You want some bigger pieces mixed in with the crumbs for perfect texture.

Want to kick up the heat? Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or mix them into the sauce. And here's my golden rule - don't skip draining the beef fat unless you want soggy chips! That little extra minute makes all the difference between a crispy delight and a mushy mess.

Ingredient Substitutions

Listen, I know we don't always have exactly what a recipe calls for - that's why I love this casserole's flexibility! Here are my tried-and-true swaps that still taste amazing:

• Ground turkey or chicken works great if you're watching red meat - just add an extra tablespoon of oil when browning since it's leaner.
• Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream in a pinch (use ¾ cup yogurt + ¼ cup milk to thin it).
• Corn chips instead of tortilla chips give it a fun fiesta twist - Fritos are my favorite here!
• Cream of celery soup works if you're out of chicken, though the flavor changes slightly.

The beauty is - as long as you keep the basic layers, you really can't mess it up. That's why it's my emergency dinner lifesaver!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the fun part - dressing up your masterpiece! I love setting out bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their plate. Go wild with sliced avocado (squeeze lemon juice to keep it green), fresh pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of cool sour cream. For my heat-loving friends, I'll put out extra jalapeños and hot sauce - watch out though, things get competitive with how much spice they can handle! A simple side of crisp lettuce or refried beans turns this into a full fiesta.

Storage and Reheating

Here's the best part - this casserole tastes just as good leftover! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. When reheating, pop individual portions in the microwave for quick bites, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to bring back that crispy chip texture. Pro tip: Sprinkle a few fresh chips on top before reheating for extra crunch!

Mexican White Trash Casserole Nutrition

Now, let's be real - this isn't health food, but everything in moderation, right? Here's the scoop on what you're getting per serving (based on my exact ingredients - yours might vary slightly): about 450 calories, 25g fat (10g saturated), 30g carbs, 3g fiber, and 20g protein. The sodium's up there at 800mg thanks to the canned goods and seasoning, so if you're watching that, try low-sodium versions of the soup and tomatoes. But hey - it's comfort food, not a salad! Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite guilt-free.

FAQs About Mexican White Trash Casserole

I get asked about this casserole ALL the time - here are the questions that pop up most often (and my tried-and-true answers!):

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken and mix it with the taco seasoning and a splash of water to help the flavors stick. It makes a fantastic lighter version - my sister swears by this swap!

How can I make it spicier?
Oh, I love this question! Try these heat boosters: use hot taco seasoning, swap in hot Rotel tomatoes, add cayenne pepper to the sauce, or mix in diced jalapeños with the beef. For real fire lovers, top with sliced serranos before baking. Just warn your guests!

Can I freeze this casserole?
You bet! Assemble it completely but don't bake it - wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual (might need 5 extra minutes). The chips won't be as crisp, but the flavors still rock!

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