Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a fun, layered dish that combines crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned beef, creamy beans, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole offers bold flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (for a lighter option)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup salsa, your preferred heat level
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Diced fresh tomatoes (for topping)
• Sliced black olives (for topping)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Step 3: Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips evenly in the prepared baking dish to create the first crunchy layer.
4. Step 4: Spoon the refried beans over the chips, spreading into an even layer. Then add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the beans.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the beef layer to help bind the casserole as it bakes.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the beef mixture. Finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, covering the surface evenly.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Top with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add jalapeño slices for extra heat.
• Use black beans instead of refried beans for more texture.
• Try different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
• To make it vegetarian, replace meat with seasoned cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. To keep the chips crunchy, add fresh toppings after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Add fresh toppings after baking.

Can I freeze Mexican White Trash Casserole?

This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Mexican White Trash Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, tortilla chips, and melted Mexican cheese, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Layers

• 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed

Meat Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey for lighter option
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup salsa, your preferred heat level

Additional Layers

• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

Toppings

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the seasoned beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, then simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
3. Layer the casserole – first layer: Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crunchy base.
4. Add creamy refried beans and beef: Spoon the refried beans over the chips and spread evenly. Then, layer half of the seasoned beef mixture on top, spreading it out.
5. First cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef layer for binding and flavor.
6. Build final layers: Add the remaining tortilla chips as the next layer, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, covering the surface entirely for a golden crust.
7. Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on the edges.
8. Cool and garnish: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro before serving to enjoy it warm and gooey.

Notes

• For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
• Adjust the heat of the salsa according to your preference for spiciness.
• Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set for easier slicing.
• Fresh toppings add color and fresh flavor contrast; feel free to customize with your favorites.

Keywords: Mexican casserole, ground beef casserole, tortilla chip casserole, layered casserole, baked Mexican dish