Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe – Cheesy Comfort with Tex-Mex Flair
If you’re craving a cheesy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing casserole, look no further than the Mexican White Trash Casserole. Despite its cheeky name, this dish has become a Southern comfort food classic, combining bold Tex-Mex flavors with simple pantry staples. 🌮🧀
It’s the kind of dish that shows up at potlucks, family dinners, and game nights — and never fails to disappear within minutes. Think crushed Doritos layered with seasoned meat, creamy soup, Rotel tomatoes, and plenty of gooey cheese. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and oh-so comforting. 💛
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed
- 2 cups shredded chicken or ground beef (cooked and seasoned)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mexican blend, or Pepper Jack)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 small onion, sautéed
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 jalapeño, diced for extra spice 🌶️
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Meat
If using ground beef, brown it in a skillet until fully cooked, draining excess fat. If using chicken, shred pre-cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken.
3. Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Layer the Casserole
- Spread a layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add a layer of meat.
- Pour some of the creamy sauce over the meat.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce on top.
- Finish with the remaining shredded cheese and a handful of Doritos for crunch.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Serve
Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. 🌿🥄
Expert Chef Tips
- Chef Gordon Ramsay: “Season the meat well with spices like cumin and chili powder for authentic flavor.”
- Chef Bobby Flay: “Layer in roasted peppers or corn for extra Tex-Mex flair.”
- The Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond: “This casserole is perfect for busy families — double it and freeze one for later.”
- Chef Ina Garten: “Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the best melt and flavor.”
Nutrition & Health Benefits
While this dish is an indulgence, you can make it a bit lighter by using lean chicken, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese. Here’s a general breakdown per serving:
| Ingredient | Amount (per serving) | Calories | Key Nutrients | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doritos | 30 g | 150 | Carbohydrates, Sodium | Provides crunch and flavor (enjoy in moderation) |
| Chicken | 100 g | 165 | Protein, B Vitamins | Supports muscle health and energy |
| Cheese | 30 g | 120 | Calcium, Protein | Bone health, rich flavor |
| Sour Cream | 30 g | 60 | Calcium, Probiotics | Aids digestion, adds creaminess |
| Rotel Tomatoes | 50 g | 20 | Vitamin C, Lycopene | Antioxidant properties, immune support |
Health & Safety Considerations
- Ensure ground beef is cooked to 160°F (71°C) to avoid foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through.
- For freezer storage, wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months.
Perfect Pairings
This casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- Mexican street corn 🌽
- Fresh guacamole & chips 🥑
- A crisp side salad 🥗
- Horchata or iced margaritas 🍹
10 FAQs About Mexican White Trash Casserole
- Why is it called “White Trash Casserole”? It’s a tongue-in-cheek name used in Southern cooking for simple, budget-friendly comfort food.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, it’s a leaner alternative.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Swap the meat for beans and corn.
- Can I make it spicier? Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use spicy Doritos.
- Do I have to use cream of chicken soup? No, cream of mushroom or cream of celery works too.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate overnight before baking.
- How do I prevent soggy Doritos? Keep a crunchy layer on top just before baking.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, but wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- What cheese works best? A mix of Cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully.
- How many servings does this recipe make? About 6–8, depending on portion size.
More Tex-Mex Comfort Food Recipes
Final Thoughts
The Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food: cheesy, creamy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. It’s quick to throw together, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to be the hit of any gathering. Whether served for a busy weeknight dinner or as a game-day crowd-pleaser, this casserole delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. 🧀🌮💚
