Mexican White Trash Casserole (Print Version)

Cheesy layered comfort dish with beef, salsa, chips, beans, and classic fresh toppings.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 1 bag (9 to 10 ounces) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
02 - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
03 - 1 packet taco seasoning
04 - 1 cup salsa
05 - 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
06 - 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

→ Optional Garnishes

07 - Sour cream
08 - Guacamole
09 - Diced tomatoes
10 - Sliced black olives
11 - Chopped green onions
12 - Fresh cilantro, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey until fully browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
03 - Add taco seasoning and salsa to the browned meat. Stir and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly along the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
05 - Evenly layer refried beans over the chips. Spoon half of the seasoned meat mixture over the beans.
06 - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the meat layer.
07 - Add the remaining crushed chips, then top with the rest of the meat mixture.
08 - Finish with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheese sprinkled evenly over the casserole.
09 - Place dish in oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and casserole is bubbling.
10 - Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Add desired toppings and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - Crushing the chips lightly helps maintain texture and prevents them from becoming soggy during baking.
02 - Change spice level by adjusting the salsa or taco seasoning.

Go Back