Mexican White Trash Casserole

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a bold, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with zesty Tex-Mex flair. It layers together seasoned meat, corn chips or tortillas, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce for the ultimate indulgent casserole. It’s easy to make, full of pantry staples, and perfect for feeding a crowd or spicing up a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is everything you want in comfort food: cheesy, creamy, a little spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a quick and easy dump-and-bake style meal that uses minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. You can customize it to fit your taste, it reheats beautifully, and it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it great for meal prep.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or ground turkey
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Taco seasoning
• Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles), drained
• Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
• Canned corn (optional)
• Nacho cheese or Velveeta (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fritos or crushed tortilla chips
• Fresh cilantro or jalapeños for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in taco seasoning and mix well.
4. Add drained Rotel and cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Add in the cooked meat mixture and stir until combined.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the Fritos or crushed tortilla chips.
7. Pour the meat mixture over the chips, spreading evenly.
8. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Add optional nacho cheese or Velveeta for extra richness if desired.
9. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
10. Top with remaining chips, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Use hot Rotel or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Chicken swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
• Vegetarian: Use black beans, pinto beans, and sautéed veggies in place of meat.
• Extra creamy: Add cream cheese or nacho cheese sauce into the filling.
• Taco-topped: Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream on top like taco salad.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (without chips on top), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding chips fresh before serving.

FAQs

Why is it called “White Trash Casserole”?

It’s a tongue-in-cheek name referring to the use of processed ingredients and the “throw-it-together” style—nothing fancy, just delicious comfort food.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add chips right before baking to keep them crisp.

Can I use tortilla chips instead of Fritos?

Absolutely. Crushed tortilla chips or even Doritos work great and add extra flavor.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and add great flavor.

Can I make this casserole without meat?

Yes, simply substitute beans or a meat alternative and load up on veggies.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double the ingredients and use a larger pan or two 9×13 dishes to feed a crowd.

Is this casserole spicy?

It’s mildly spicy thanks to the Rotel. You can adjust the heat by using mild or hot varieties or adding extra peppers.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Try it with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Definitely! Homemade taco seasoning works great and lets you control the salt and spice levels.

Will it get soggy if made in advance?

The chips will soften over time, so it’s best to add the top layer of chips just before baking or serving for crunch.

Conclusion

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a low-effort, high-reward recipe that’s full of bold Tex-Mex flavor and creamy, cheesy indulgence. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or when you just want something cozy and comforting. This dish proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a meal everyone will devour.

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