Mexican White Trash Casserole

This Mexican White Trash Casserole transforms everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing fiesta of flavors that has become my ultimate solution for busy weeknights. The layers of crunchy chips, seasoned meat, and melty cheese create a comfort food masterpiece that reminds me of the casual joy of homestyle Mexican-American cooking.

I first made this casserole during a chaotic family reunion when I needed to feed a hungry crowd quickly. The dish disappeared so fast that I barely got a serving, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering we have.

Ingredients

• Ground beef provides hearty protein and rich flavor, but you can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option
• Taco seasoning packet offers perfect spice blend without measuring individual spices
• Refried beans create a creamy layer that adds protein and helps bind everything together
• Tortilla chips form a crunchy foundation that softens slightly during baking
• Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully and creates that irresistible stretchy cheese pull
• Salsa adds moisture and complex flavor without extra chopping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Base

Brown the ground beef thoroughly until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain well to prevent a greasy casserole. The meat should be fully cooked but not overly browned to maintain moisture.

Season The Meat

Add taco seasoning and salsa to the drained meat, allowing it to simmer until the flavors meld together. This brief cooking time ensures the seasonings fully coat each piece of meat and creates a sauce-like consistency.

Create The Foundation

Crush the tortilla chips just enough to create flat pieces while maintaining some texture. Spread them evenly across your baking dish to form a sturdy base that will partially soften during baking.

Layer The Beans

Warm the refried beans slightly in the microwave to make them easier to spread. Use the back of a spoon to create an even layer over the chips, reaching all the way to the edges of the dish.

Build The Layers

Add half the seasoned meat mixture over the beans, distributing it evenly. Follow with half the cheese, then repeat the layers with remaining ingredients, finishing with a generous cheese topping.

Bake To Perfection

Bake until the cheese has completely melted and begins to bubble around the edges. Watch for the top to become slightly golden for the best flavor development.

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My favorite part of this dish is how the tortilla chips on the bottom layer soften just enough to create a pseudo-cornbread texture while the top layer maintains some crunch. It reminds me of the casseroles my neighbor would bring over for potlucks that always disappeared first.

Make It Your Own

This versatile casserole welcomes endless variations based on your family's preferences and what you have on hand. Try using leftover rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat, or add a layer of canned corn for sweetness and texture. For vegetarians, substitute the meat with an extra can of beans or crumbled meat substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this casserole into a complete meal by serving with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens provide a pleasant contrast to the rich, warm casserole. For entertaining, set up a topping bar with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and cilantro so guests can customize their portions.

The Ultimate Leftover Hack

The flavors in this casserole actually improve overnight, making leftovers something to look forward to. Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick lunch, or get creative by stuffing the leftover casserole into bell peppers and baking until tender for an entirely new meal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of meat works best for this casserole?

Ground beef or turkey are great options. You can also use ground chicken or plant-based alternatives for a lighter version.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Use hot salsa, spicy taco seasoning, or add chili flakes to the beef mixture for extra heat. Jalapeños also make a great topping.

→ How can I prevent soggy tortilla chips?

To keep the chips crispy, assemble the casserole just before baking. Avoid letting the chips sit out for extended periods with the layers.

→ What toppings pair well with this dish?

Sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro all complement the bold flavors beautifully.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance but wait to add the tortilla chips and cheese until just before baking to maintain the texture.

→ Are there vegetarian options for this dish?

Absolutely! Swap the meat for black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles to create a hearty vegetarian version.