Print

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a layered, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, tortilla chips, and melted Mexican cheese blend baked to bubbly perfection. Topped with fresh garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, olives, green onions, and cilantro, it’s a crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex comfort food perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

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) and 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, 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. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
  3. Layer the first chips: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crunchy base.
  4. Add refried beans and beef: Spoon the refried beans over the chips and spread into an even layer. Then layer half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the beans.
  5. Add the first cheese layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the beef.
  6. Build final layers: Add the remaining tortilla chips, then top with the remaining beef mixture. Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly across the top.
  7. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
  8. Rest and garnish: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes, then add your desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.
  • Adjust salsa heat level to your preference—mild, medium, or hot.
  • For extra crunch, serve immediately after baking to maintain the crispy chip layers.
  • Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can kick up the spice level.

Keywords: Mexican casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, layered casserole, Tex-Mex dish, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/mexican-white-trash-casserole-recipe/