Mexican White Trash Casserole
Introduction
If you’re craving a cheesy, creamy, and budget-friendly comfort food dish, this Mexican White Trash Casserole is the answer! This recipe is one of the best easy casserole recipes for busy families because it combines seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, gooey melted cheese, and crunchy Doritos or tortilla chips in one dish. It’s a true comfort food casserole that’s ready in under 40 minutes and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
This ground beef casserole with a Tex-Mex twist is loaded with bold flavors but uses simple pantry ingredients, making it one of the most budget-friendly meals you’ll ever try. If you’re looking for a family dinner idea that kids and adults will love, this Mexican-inspired dish will hit the spot every time.
Ingredient Overview
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1 lb ground beef – seasoned and cooked for a hearty base.
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1 medium onion, diced – for flavor and texture.
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1 packet taco seasoning – adds authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – creamy base for the casserole.
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – doubles the creaminess.
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1 cup sour cream – for tang and richness.
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – melty, gooey perfection.
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1 bag (10 oz) Doritos or tortilla chips – crushed for a crunchy layer.
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1 can Rotel tomatoes (10 oz) – for zest and mild heat.
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Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional) – garnish for freshness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
Step 2: Cook beef mixture – In a skillet, brown ground beef with onion. Drain fat, then stir in taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes.
Step 3: Make creamy base – In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble casserole – Layer half the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the beef mixture on top, followed by the creamy mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar. Repeat with another layer of Doritos and finish with more cheese.
Step 5: Bake – Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Step 6: Serve – Garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve warm.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
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Calories: 490
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Protein: 23g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Fat: 28g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, shredded chicken works great.
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Can I substitute Doritos? Yes, tortilla chips or corn chips also work.
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Can I make this vegetarian? Replace meat with beans or lentils.
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Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, for a lighter version.
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What type of cheese is best? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend.
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Can I prepare it ahead of time? Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight.
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Can I freeze it? Yes, freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
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Does it reheat well? Yes, in oven or microwave.
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Can I make it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
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What goes well with this dish? Mexican rice, refried beans, or salad.
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Do the chips stay crunchy? They soften but still add texture.
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Can I double the recipe? Yes, perfect for large gatherings.
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Is this kid-friendly? Yes, it’s cheesy and mild.
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Can I use low-fat cheese? Yes, but it won’t be as gooey.
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How long does it keep in the fridge? 3–4 days.
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Can I use cream of celery soup? Yes, as a substitute.
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Do I need to cover with foil? No, bake uncovered for best results.
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What toppings work best? Salsa, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.
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Can I make this in a crockpot? Yes, cook on low for 3–4 hours.
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Is it gluten-free? Use gluten-free soup and chips.
20 Helpful Tips
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Always drain beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
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Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
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Don’t over-crush Doritos—keep them chunky.
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Add corn or beans for extra nutrition.
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Use Rotel for spice; plain tomatoes for mild.
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Bake uncovered for a crispy top.
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Add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
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Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for protein.
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Mix cheese varieties for bold flavor.
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Garnish with cilantro for freshness.
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Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Use a glass baking dish for even cooking.
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Top with jalapeños for spice lovers.
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Serve with taco sauce for zing.
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Add ranch seasoning for a twist.
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Make individual servings in ramekins.
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Keep extra Doritos on the side for topping.
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Double the cheese for gooey pulls.
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Add lime juice before serving for freshness.
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Pair with margaritas for a fun dinner.
10 Storage Tips
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Store in airtight container.
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Refrigerate up to 4 days.
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Freeze in portions for convenience.
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Wrap tightly in foil before freezing.
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Always label freezer meals.
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Reheat in oven for best results.
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Microwave portions for quick meals.
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Add fresh Doritos after reheating for crunch.
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Avoid storing with toppings like salsa.
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Freeze unbaked casserole for meal prep.
20 Recipe Secrets
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Use fire-roasted tomatoes for depth.
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Stir in ranch seasoning for bold flavor.
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Add cream cheese for richness.
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Mix cheddar and pepper jack for a spicy kick.
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Bake in cast iron for rustic style.
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Add taco rice for a hearty version.
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Use Cool Ranch Doritos for variety.
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Stir in corn salsa for sweetness.
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Top with bacon crumbles for smoky flavor.
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Add lime juice for brightness.
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Layer cheese between beef and Doritos.
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Swap ground beef for turkey to lighten.
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Add black olives for Tex-Mex flair.
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Use jalapeño cheese for spice.
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Top with shredded lettuce and tomato after baking.
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Sprinkle smoked paprika for depth.
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Mix in hot sauce for a bold twist.
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Add avocado slices for creaminess.
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Use queso dip as a layer for indulgence.
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Always serve hot for maximum cheese pull.
Hashtags for Social Media
#MexicanCasserole #EasyCasseroleRecipes #GroundBeefCasserole #CheesyCasserole #FamilyDinnerIdeas #ComfortFoodCasserole #WeeknightDinner #BudgetFriendlyMeals #KidFriendlyRecipes #QuickDinnerRecipes