Description
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a hearty and cheesy Tex-Mex dish made with seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and layers of crunchy tortilla chips. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips, divided
- 1/2 cup canned corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/4 cup water into the beef mixture. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens and absorbs the seasoning flavors.
- Add Creamy Ingredients: Remove the skillet from heat. Mix in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined to create a creamy, flavorful beef mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom. Spoon the beef mixture on top and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining crushed chips to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped green onions and sliced jalapeños if desired before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey for a different protein option.
- Add chopped bell peppers or olives to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve with sides like salsa, guacamole, or an extra dollop of sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure taco seasoning and tortilla chips are certified gluten-free.
