Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a deliciously layered dish combining crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey for 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 garnish
• Sliced black olives, for garnish
• 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. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Step 3: Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crunchy base.
4. Step 4: Spoon the refried beans over the chips and spread evenly. Add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top and spread it out.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef layer.
6. Step 6: Add the remaining tortilla chips, then layer with the rest of the beef mixture. Finish by covering the top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before adding your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, olives, green onions, and cilantro. Serve while warm and gooey.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner and lighter version of the casserole.
• Use homemade salsa or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat if preferred.
• Try layering in black beans or corn for additional texture and flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based crumble.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake, then add extra baking time if necessary to heat through.

What can I use if I don’t have refried beans?

You can substitute mashed black beans or pinto beans seasoned with a bit of salt and cumin to create a similar creamy layer in the casserole.

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for taco lovers craving a comforting baked meal. Layers of seasoned ground beef or turkey, refried beans, crunchy tortilla chips, and melted Mexican cheese blend come together to create a deliciously gooey, crispy casserole. Topped with fresh garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, olives, green onions, and cilantro, this easy-to-make recipe is great for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Protein

• 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey for lighter option
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup salsa, your preferred heat level

Layers and Cheese

• 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. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 or turkey until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
3. Layer the base chips: Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crunchy foundation.
4. Add refried beans and beef: Spoon the refried beans evenly over the chips, spreading to form a smooth layer. Then add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the beans, spreading it out evenly.
5. First cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the beef layer, helping to bind the casserole.
6. Build final layers: Add the remaining tortilla chips evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining beef mixture, then finish by sprinkling the last cup of cheese evenly over the surface.
7. Bake until bubbly: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges. Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
8. Add toppings and serve: Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, diced fresh tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve while warm and gooey for the best experience.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
• Adjust the salsa heat level to your taste preference for mild or spicy options.
• Make sure to drain excess grease from the cooked meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking to let it set and cool slightly for easier serving.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.

Keywords: Mexican casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, layered casserole, Mexican comfort food