Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Unexpected Pleasure: Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes on a new dimension with this Mexican white trash casserole that blends hearty ingredients into a mouthwatering feast.

Layers of cheesy goodness meld with savory ground beef and crispy tortilla chips for an irresistible meal.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

The combination of simple pantry staples creates a surprisingly delectable dinner that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Packed with bold flavors and creamy textures, this casserole transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of crispy, melty, and spicy elements that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by this crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation.

Mexican White Trash Casserole That’s Full of Flavor

  • Craft Layers of Deliciousness: This dessert offers a stunning visual and taste experience with multiple delectable layers that blend creamy textures and vibrant flavors.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust toppings to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • No-Bake Bliss: Skip the oven completely and enjoy a cool, refreshing dessert that requires minimal cooking skills and maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress friends and family with a restaurant-quality dessert that looks complicated but comes together surprisingly simple, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

What You Need for Mexican White Trash Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the core of this hearty casserole.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk, Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness and help bind the casserole together.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rotel Tomatoes, Taco Seasoning: Zesty components that bring a spicy Mexican-inspired taste to the dish.
Crunchy Base:
  • Crushed Doritos: A crunchy, flavor-packed chip layer that provides texture and adds a fun twist to the traditional casserole.
Preparation Components:
  • Foil: Used to cover the casserole during baking and help retain moisture.

How to Prepare Mexican White Trash Casserole Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Rotel tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Taco seasoning

Stir the ingredients thoroughly until well blended and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Build the Layered Casserole

Spread a generous layer of crushed Doritos across the bottom of the greased dish.

Pour half of the chicken mixture over the chips, ensuring even coverage. Repeat the layering process with the remaining Doritos and chicken mixture.

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra richness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.

Bake for 35 minutes. During the final 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to become golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.

Tips to Elevate Mexican White Trash Casserole

  • Crush Doritos just before layering to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Replace shredded chicken with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for different flavor profiles.
  • Adjust taco seasoning and choose mild or hot Rotel tomatoes to match your heat preference.
  • Sprinkle cheese evenly and closer to the end of baking for perfect golden, melted coverage.
  • Assemble casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavorful Variations on Mexican White Trash Casserole

  • Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace chicken with black beans, use vegetable soup, and add bell peppers for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Crunch: Swap Doritos for gluten-free corn chips, use gluten-free cream soup, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in green chiles for a hotter flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute Doritos with crushed pork rinds, use cauliflower rice instead of chips, and reduce milk quantity for a keto-friendly alternative.

What Goes Well with Mexican White Trash Casserole

  • Refresh with Zesty Margarita: Cool, tangy lime margarita cuts through the casserole's rich, creamy texture. Tequila's kick complements the spicy taco seasoning perfectly.
  • Cool Cucumber Salad: Crisp, light cucumber salad with fresh herbs provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy casserole. Adds brightness and balances the dish's intense flavors.
  • Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn with chili powder, cotija cheese, and lime creates a traditional side that echoes the casserole's southwestern profile. Adds vibrant texture and authentic mexican flair.

How to Store Mexican White Trash Casserole Safely

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, ground beef or shredded turkey work great as alternatives to chicken in this casserole.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning you choose. Use mild versions if you prefer less spice.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

  • Are there any low-fat modifications for this recipe?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and lean chicken breast to make a lighter version of the casserole.

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Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Mexican white trash casserole combines classic comfort with zesty southwestern flavors in one irresistible dish. Simple ingredients merge into a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds with each savory, cheesy bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

Base and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 bag nacho Doritos, crushed
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes (with diced green chilies)
  • 1/2 package taco seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish to ensure easy food release.
  2. Create a flavorful mixture by combining tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, zesty Rotel tomatoes, tangy sour cream, smooth milk, and robust taco seasoning in a mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
  3. Construct the first foundation layer by evenly distributing crushed Doritos across the bottom of the greased dish, creating a crunchy base.
  4. Generously spread half of the chicken mixture over the Dorito layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
  5. Repeat the layering process by adding another layer of crushed Doritos followed by the remaining chicken mixture.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top for an extra melty and golden finish.
  7. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
  8. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to create a crisp, slightly browned surface.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
  10. Slice and serve while warm, enjoying the rich, textured combination of flavors and crunchy elements.

Notes

  • Easily substitute shredded chicken with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based protein for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Adjust taco seasoning and choose mild or hot Rotel tomatoes to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.
  • Replace regular Doritos with baked tortilla chips or crushed whole grain chips to reduce overall fat and calorie content while maintaining crunch.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep more convenient.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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