Spicy Mexican White Trash Casserole

Featured in Evening meals for every day.

This Spicy Mexican White Trash Casserole 🌶️ is a true celebration of flavors and textures, making dinner time anything but ordinary. Imagine taking a bite and experiencing the heat from the jalapeños, the comforting creaminess of cheese, and the satisfying crunch of crispy tortillas, all in one. What makes it stand out is the clever use of everyday ingredients to create a dish that feels both familiar and excitingly new. The addition of spices like cumin and chili powder elevates the ground beef, transforming it into something special. Each layer is thoughtfully added to build up the flavors and textures, ensuring that every forkful is a delightful surprise. It's more than just a casserole; it's a way to bring a little fiesta to your dinner table. 🎉
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:28:18 GMT
Une casserole mexicaine avec des tortillas et des chips. pin it
Une casserole mexicaine avec des tortillas et des chips. | recettes.cuisinegenial.com

This hearty Mexican White Trash Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish that has saved countless busy weeknights at my table. The combination of crunchy Doritos, savory meat, and creamy taco-spiced sauce creates a deliciously indulgent meal that everyone fights over.

I first created this casserole when unexpected guests showed up during a football game and needed to stretch my ingredients. Now it's requested at every family gathering and potluck I attend. The looks on people's faces when they take their first bite never gets old.

Ingredients

  • One bag Nacho Doritos crushed: These provide the perfect crunchy base and bold flavor foundation. Choose the classic nacho cheese variety for authentic flavor.
  • Two cups shredded chicken or ground beef: Provides hearty protein that absorbs the taco flavors beautifully. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for a time-saver.
  • Two cups shredded cheese or more if desired: Creates that irresistible gooey texture. A Mexican blend offers the best melt and flavor, but cheddar works great too.
  • One can cream of chicken soup: Delivers creamy richness and binds everything together. The condensed version creates the perfect consistency.
  • One can Rotel tomatoes undrained: Adds acidity, flavor and a touch of heat. The juice provides essential moisture for the casserole.
  • Half cup sour cream: Contributes tanginess and creaminess. Full-fat creates the best texture but light works in a pinch.
  • Half cup milk: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency. Whole milk gives the richest results.
  • Half package taco seasoning or more to taste: Infuses authentic Mexican flavors throughout. Look for low-sodium if watching salt intake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Turn your oven to 350°F and grab your 9x13 baking dish. I like to give it a light coating of cooking spray to ensure easy serving later. The right temperature is crucial for melting the cheese properly without burning the chips.
Create the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes with their juice, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. This mixture should have a pourable consistency but not be too thin.
Layer Building Time:
Start by evenly spreading half of your crushed Doritos across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Press them down slightly to create a stable base. Next, distribute all of your protein evenly over the chips. Whether using shredded chicken or browned ground beef, make sure it's spread in an even layer for consistent flavor in every bite.

Pour the creamy sauce mixture slowly over the meat, ensuring it seeps down and around all the ingredients. Use a spatula to spread it evenly if needed. Add a generous cup of shredded cheese over this layer, distributing it evenly for that perfect cheese pull later.

Top with your remaining crushed Doritos, creating a second crunchy layer. Finish with the rest of your cheese, covering the entire surface for that golden, bubbly crust everyone fights over.
Baking Magic:
Cover your casserole loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from browning too quickly while allowing the inside to heat thoroughly. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for about 10 more minutes. Watch for that perfect moment when the cheese is completely melted, bubbling at the edges, and developing golden spots.
Rest and Garnish:
Allow your masterpiece to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This setting time helps the layers hold together when you cut into it. If desired, add fresh garnishes just before serving like extra sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro for color and freshness.
Une casserole mexicaine avec des tomates, des chips et du fromage. pin it
Une casserole mexicaine avec des tomates, des chips et du fromage. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The Rotel tomatoes are truly the secret ingredient in this casserole. I once made it without them when I couldn't get to the store, and while still good, it lacked that special tangy zip that makes everyone ask for the recipe. My husband now makes sure we always have a few cans in the pantry specifically for this dish.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole is the perfect candidate for meal prep. You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove from the refrigerator while the oven preheats, and add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time. The Doritos will soften slightly but still provide texture and flavor.

Smart Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have on hand. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work perfectly in place of beef or chicken. For a vegetarian version, double the beans and add sautéed bell peppers and corn. If Rotel tomatoes aren't available, substitute a can of diced tomatoes plus a small can of diced green chiles. Cream of mushroom soup works beautifully if you're out of cream of chicken.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides. I like to serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete fiesta, add Mexican rice, refried beans, or a bowl of guacamole and extra chips on the side. For a special touch, set out a toppings bar with sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.

Une casserole mexicaine avec des tomates et du fromage. pin it
Une casserole mexicaine avec des tomates et du fromage. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The Story Behind The Name

The playful name "Mexican White Trash Casserole" comes from its humble ingredients and unpretentious preparation. While the name might raise eyebrows, it's become a term of endearment for this type of comfort food that prioritizes accessibility and flavor over fanciness. In my family, the more unusual or quirky the recipe name, the more likely it is to become a beloved favorite. This casserole proves that extraordinary flavor can come from ordinary ingredients when combined with a little creativity.

Spicy Mexican Casserole

Embrace the bold and spicy flavors of our Spicy Mexican White Trash Casserole. It's a culinary fiesta that blends creamy textures with zesty spices, guaranteed to delight your palate.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef.
02 1 medium onion, diced.
03 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained.
04 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup.
05 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup.
06 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained.
07 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed.
08 1 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips, crushed.
09 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend.
10 1 cup sour cream.
11 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
12 1 teaspoon chili powder.
13 1 teaspoon cumin.
14 Salt and pepper, to taste.
15 Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, corn, black beans, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 04

Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 05

Pour the beef mixture over the chips and spread evenly.

Step 06

Top with the remaining crushed tortilla chips and then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 08

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Notes

  1. A flavorful and hearty casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, and a crunchy tortilla chip topping.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 400
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 22 g