Mexican White Trash Casserole

This comforting Mexican White Trash Casserole has been my go-to meal for potlucks and family gatherings for years. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and crunchy tortilla chips creates a dish that disappears almost as quickly as I can serve it.

I first made this casserole when hosting an impromptu game night with friends. With limited ingredients in my pantry and no time for a grocery run, this creation was born out of necessity but has since become one of my signature dishes that friends specifically request.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base. Make sure to choose 80/20 for best flavor
• Black beans: Add fiber and a meaty texture. Drain and rinse them well to remove excess sodium
• Corn kernels: Bring sweet pops of flavor and color. Use fresh in summer if available
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Provide instant flavor without extra chopping
• Cream cheese: Creates that luxurious velvety texture. Use full fat for best results
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess. Allow it to come to room temperature for easier mixing
• Cheddar cheese: Forms that irresistible golden crust. Freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded
• Tortilla chips: Create the crispy base. Thick restaurant style chips hold up best
• Taco seasoning: Infuses everything with Mexican flavor. Make your own for reduced sodium
• Green onions for garnish: Add fresh flavor and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned, about 7 to 8 minutes. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks for the best texture. Drain off excess fat after cooking to prevent a greasy casserole.

Create the Savory Base:

Add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, and taco seasoning to the cooked beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and excess liquid to evaporate. This concentrated flavor base is essential for a rich-tasting casserole.

Prepare the Creamy Layer:

In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until perfectly smooth using a spatula or hand mixer. This takes about 2 minutes of mixing. The smoother this mixture, the more evenly it will spread over the casserole layers.

Build the First Layer:

Cover the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking dish with half the tortilla chips, breaking some as needed to create an even layer. Spread half the beef mixture over the chips, followed by dollops of the cream cheese mixture, which you'll gently spread over the beef. Sprinkle with half the cheddar cheese.

Complete the Layers:

Repeat the layering process with remaining tortilla chips, beef mixture, cream cheese mixture, and finish with the rest of the cheddar cheese. Be sure to spread each layer to the edges of the dish for consistent flavor in every bite.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and develops golden brown spots. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly.

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My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the tortilla chips on the bottom layer soften slightly while soaking up all the savory flavors while still maintaining some texture. It reminds me of how my grandmother used to make chilaquiles for Sunday brunch, but in heartier casserole form.

Make It Your Own

This casserole welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Vegetarians can skip the meat entirely and double the beans. Pepper jack cheese can replace some or all of the cheddar for extra heat, and a can of green enchilada sauce mixed into the beef layer adds wonderful depth of flavor without much effort.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of Mexican rice makes the meal stretch even further when feeding a crowd. For drinks, nothing complements this dish better than a cold Mexican beer or a pitcher of homemade limeade for a nonalcoholic option.

Storage Solutions

This casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the chips softer. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months; the texture of the chips will change slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

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This casserole is a surefire crowd-pleaser that you can rely on whenever you need a comforting and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this Mexican White Trash Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble all the layers but don't bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since it will be cold.

→ What can I substitute for the ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work great in this casserole. You could also use shredded chicken or even omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version by adding extra beans and vegetables.

→ How do I keep the tortilla chips from getting soggy?

For crispier chips, you can lightly toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes before assembling the casserole. Also, make sure your beef mixture isn't too wet by allowing it to simmer long enough to reduce excess liquid.

→ What sides pair well with this casserole?

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or roasted vegetables. Toppings like fresh avocado, pico de gallo, or additional sour cream also complement it nicely.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the tortilla chips may lose some crispness, but the flavor will remain delicious.

→ How spicy is this dish and can I adjust the heat level?

This casserole has a mild to medium heat level from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. To make it milder, use regular diced tomatoes and mild taco seasoning. To increase the heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to taste.