If you’re searching for a dish that’s bold in flavor, comforting in texture, and incredibly easy to prepare, look no further than Mexican White Trash Casserole. Despite its playful and cheeky name, this casserole delivers serious flavor—layered with seasoned meat, creamy cheese, hearty beans, and crunchy corn chips, it’s everything you love about Tex-Mex cooking in one bubbly, golden-brown dish.
Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole is rich, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. In this article, we’ll break down what makes Mexican White Trash Casserole so irresistible, walk you through the recipe, and offer tips for serving, storing, and adding your own creative twist.
What Is Mexican White Trash Casserole?
This casserole is a Tex-Mex-inspired baked dish that typically features layers of ground beef or chicken, black beans, green chiles, sour cream, and shredded cheese—all mixed or layered with tortilla chips or corn chips (like Fritos) for added crunch. It’s comfort food at its finest: rich, savory, cheesy, and just a little indulgent.
The “white trash” nickname comes from the dish’s humble, pantry-friendly ingredients—many of which are canned or prepackaged. But don’t be fooled by its casual title; this casserole is pure gold when it comes to flavor and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef (or cooked shredded chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 3 cups corn chips (like Fritos), lightly crushed
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, jalapeños
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and black beans. Mix until well combined. Stir in the meat mixture.
4. Layer the Casserole
In the baking dish, layer half of the crushed corn chips. Spoon the meat and bean mixture over the chips. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Top with the remaining chips and cheese.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Let it cool slightly before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 8 servings)
- Calories: ~410
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
This casserole is rich and indulgent, so a little goes a long way. To lighten it up, consider using ground turkey, low-fat sour cream, or baked tortilla chips.
Presentation and Serving Tips
- Family Style: Serve straight from the baking dish with a big spoon and a side of tortilla chips.
- Plated Elegance: Scoop onto individual plates and garnish with fresh toppings like diced avocado, lime wedges, or chopped tomato.
- Game Day Hit: Serve in ramekins or disposable cups for easy, handheld portions. Add hot sauce or jalapeños for spice lovers!
Make It Your Own: Variations and Additions
- Chicken Version: Swap ground beef for rotisserie or shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers instead of meat.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños, hot Rotel, or chipotle powder for extra heat.
- Creamy Boost: Mix in a bit of cream cheese or Velveeta for ultra-creamy texture.
- Crunch Control: Add half the chips before baking, then sprinkle the rest on top after baking for max crunch.
Why This Casserole Works
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a hit because it blends everything we love about Tex-Mex—cheese, spice, and heartiness—with the simplicity of one-pan cooking. It’s low-effort but high reward, and it always tastes like comfort. The salty crunch of the chips against the gooey cheese and flavorful meat makes it a dish that’s impossible not to love.
Plus, it’s perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Potlucks and parties
- Make-ahead meals (it reheats beautifully!)
- Feeding picky eaters