If you’re craving something cheesy, savory, and loaded with Tex-Mex flavors, this Mexican White Trash Casserole is just what you need. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or any gathering where comfort food is the star. With layers of crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy mixture of beans, corn, and cheese, this casserole is both satisfying and simple to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of Mexican-inspired flavors with a hearty twist.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe includes common pantry staples like canned soups, Rotel, and tortilla chips, making it a convenient go-to for those nights when you need to throw together a quick meal. Plus, it’s highly customizable! Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or adventurous foodies, the combination of crunchy chips, flavorful ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy topping will hit all the right notes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips, crushed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain Excess Grease: Remove the skillet from the heat and drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole. Set aside.
Mix the Filling
- Add the Filling Ingredients: Stir the following ingredients into the beef mixture:
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Combine Thoroughly: Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Layer the Casserole
- First Layer of Chips: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crispy base.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Pour the beef mixture over the chips, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Top with Remaining Chips: Spread the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top of the beef mixture.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top for a cheesy finish.
Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish.
Tips for the Best Mexican White Trash Casserole
Tip 1: Customize Your Protein
While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, you can omit the meat altogether and double the beans.
Tip 2: Play Around with Cheese
The recipe uses a Mexican cheese blend, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Tip 3: Add a Crunchy Topping
For extra crunch, consider topping the casserole with some crushed Fritos, Doritos, or even a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs. This adds a delightful texture to the cheesy casserole.
Tip 4: Spice It Up
If you like things spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You could also drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving.
Tip 5: Make Ahead
This casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Tip 6: Freeze for Later
Mexican White Trash Casserole freezes well! Prepare the dish up until the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until bubbly.
FAQs for Mexican White Trash Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, pop it in the oven and follow the same instructions, adding an extra 5-10 minutes of bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, place the frozen casserole in a preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until it’s hot and bubbly.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or even some refried beans. For a fun twist, you can also serve it with guacamole or salsa on the side.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to substitute the Mexican cheese blend with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack if you want more heat.
5. How can I make this casserole healthier?
To make a lighter version of this dish, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef, swap the regular cheese for a reduced-fat variety, and use low-sodium soups and unsalted chips.
6. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute fresh vegetables for the canned corn and black beans. Just make sure to cook them first before adding them to the beef mixture. Fresh corn kernels or cooked black beans work just as well.
7. Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely! Top your casserole with sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of hot sauce to take it to the next level. You can even add a layer of sour cream or guacamole after baking for extra flavor.
8. What other meats can I use?
This recipe is quite versatile. You can use ground pork, chorizo, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you prefer. Each will add its unique flavor to the dish.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
10. What can I use if I don’t have tortilla chips?
If you’re out of tortilla chips, you can use crushed nacho chips, Fritos, or even crushed saltine crackers. Anything that adds crunch will work well in this recipe.
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also a guaranteed hit with family and friends. With simple ingredients and big flavors, it’s the perfect comfort food to add to your meal rotation.