Dinner

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Name: Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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; Guacamole; Diced fresh tomatoes; Sliced black olives; Chopped green onions; Fresh cilantro leaves

ByRita Bennet January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

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Introduction

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a comforting, layered dish that combines crispy tortilla chips, seasoned meat, creamy beans, and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

A white rectangular dish filled with layers of crispy yellow tortilla chips at the bottom, topped with shredded chicken covered in melted, gooey layers of white and orange cheddar cheese. On top, there are scattered small red diced tomatoes and green cilantro leaves. A dollop of smooth white sour cream sits near the center. Woman's hand is lifting a portion, pulling up cheese strands stretching from the dish, with some chips sticking out at the edges around the lifted piece. The dish rests on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 serving)

Sliced black olives (for serving)
Chopped green onions (for serving)
Fresh cilantro leaves (for serving)

Instructions

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.
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 taco seasoning and salsa. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish as the first layer.

Step 4: Spoon the refried beans over the chips, spreading into an even layer. Then add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top.
Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the beef layer.
Step 6: Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips, then top with the rest of the beef mixture.

Step 7: Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top to cover the surface completely.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 9: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before topping with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
Add a layer of jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Use black beans instead of refried beans for a different texture and flavor.

Try adding corn or diced bell peppers in the beef mixture for more veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the chips from getting soggy. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the chips.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a white plate filled with nachos that has three main layers. The bottom layer is crispy yellow corn chips arranged tightly. On top, there is melted cheese mixed with shredded chicken, creating a creamy and gooey texture that stretches as a chip is lifted. The top layer has diced red tomatoes and green chopped herbs scattered evenly, adding color and freshness. There are also dollops of white sour cream on the surface. The white marbled background enhances the warm tones of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it, then bake right before serving. Add fresh toppings after baking.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is possible but may affect the texture of the tortilla chips; they might become less crispy. If you freeze, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.