Mexican White Trash Casserole

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Mexican White Trash Casserole

This dish is essentially a “deconstructed taco” baked into a gooey, cheesy masterpiece. It’s unpretentious, easy to assemble, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 20–25 minutes

  • Servings: 6–8 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef (lean is better to avoid excess grease)

  • 1 packet (1 oz) Taco seasoning

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken soup (undiluted)

  • 1 cup Sour cream

  • 1 can (4 oz) Diced green chiles (optional, for a kick)

  • 2 cups Shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)

  • 1 bag (9.75 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos

  • Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or salsa.

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.

  3. Season & Mix: Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (per packet instructions). Once cooked through, stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and green chiles. Mix until well combined and creamy.

  4. Layer the Crunch: Crush the bag of Doritos slightly (don’t turn them into dust; you want bite-sized chunks). Spread about half of the crushed chips into the bottom of the baking dish.

  5. Assemble: Pour the beef mixture over the chips. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over the beef. Top with the remaining crushed Doritos and the final 1 cup of cheese.

  6. Bake: Place in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are slightly golden.

  7. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

Tips for Success

  • Drain Well: Ensure you drain the beef thoroughly. If the mixture is too oily, the bottom layer of chips will turn to mush rather than staying chewy-crunchy.

  • Swap the Chips: Not a Dorito fan? Fritos or plain tortilla chips work great, though you might need to add a bit more salt or spice.

  • Veggie Boost: Stir in a can of drained black beans or corn to the beef mixture to bulk it up and add fiber.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimate based on 1/8th of the casserole.

Nutrient Amount
Calories 420 kcal
Total Fat 28g
Carbohydrates 22g
Protein 19g
Sodium 890mg

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable proteins.

  • Time-Saver: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 minutes.

  • Customizable: It acts as a base for whatever toppings you have in the fridge.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the beef mixture in advance, but do not assemble it with the chips until you are ready to bake. If it sits in the fridge assembled, the chips will absorb the moisture and lose their texture.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly. Since these are leaner, you might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan when browning.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that the chips will soften significantly upon reheating, but the flavor remains excellent.

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