Mexican White Trash Casserole — Cheesy, Crunchy, and Completely Addictive
The Ultimate Comfort Casserole That Breaks All the Rules (and Wins Every Time)
There are recipes that follow tradition… and then there are recipes that exist purely to make people happy. Mexican White Trash Casserole proudly falls into the second category. It’s bold, unapologetically cheesy, outrageously crunchy, and built for gatherings, potlucks, game days, and busy weeknights when comfort food is non-negotiable.
This casserole is the kind of dish that disappears first at any party. People ask for the recipe, scrape the corners of the pan, and sneak second helpings when no one is looking. It’s not fancy. It’s not subtle. But it is completely addictive.
At its core, this dish is a layered Tex-Mex–inspired bake made with seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crushed chips (usually Doritos or tortilla chips). The result is a texture explosion: creamy, crunchy, cheesy, savory, and just a little spicy.
Despite its playful name, this casserole is incredibly versatile. You can customize the heat level, swap proteins, or load it with extra toppings. Best of all? It’s easy, budget-friendly, and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.
Why Everyone Loves This Casserole
- Ultra-cheesy and crunchy texture combo
- Uses simple, affordable pantry ingredients
- Feeds a crowd effortlessly
- Perfect for potlucks, parties, and weeknights
- Kid-approved, adult-loved comfort food
This is the casserole you make when you want maximum satisfaction with minimal stress.
INGREDIENTS
Meat & Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- ½ cup sour cream
Cheesy Layers
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Crunch Factor
- 3 cups crushed Doritos or tortilla chips
Seasoning & Extras
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in taco seasoning and smoked paprika; cook 1 minute.
- Reduce heat and mix in cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, and sour cream.
- Spread half the crushed chips evenly in the baking dish.
- Spoon half the beef mixture over chips and sprinkle with half the cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Add optional toppings if desired.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Bake fresh for best crunch
- Reheat leftovers in oven to restore crisp texture
- Freezing not recommended due to chips softening
When to Serve This Dish
- Game day parties
- Potlucks & family gatherings
- Weeknight dinners
- Movie nights
- Casual celebrations
This is fun food, meant to be shared and enjoyed without rules.
Mexican White Trash Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Stir in taco seasoning, soup, Rotel, and sour cream.
- Layer chips, beef mixture, and cheese in baking dish.
- Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
