Mexican White Trash Casserole
You’ll appreciate the simplicity, savor the flavors, and enjoy the warmth of Mexican White Trash Casserole. This dish isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a blend of nostalgia and creativity that invites you to explore your culinary preferences. With layers of crunchy Doritos, tender meat, and gooey cheese, it stands as a tribute to comfort food culture. But what’s the story behind such an unconventional name, and how can you make this dish your own?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you need a delicious meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare, this Mexican White Trash Casserole is perfect for you. It only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get everything ready, making it ideal for busy days.
You’ll love how easy it’s to make, using simple ingredients like ground beef, shredded chicken, cheese, and tortilla chips. This recipe’s versatile, so you can choose your protein and even add extra veggies if you like. With rich flavors from taco seasoning and layers of crunchy chips, it’s satisfying and filling. Plus, it serves 6 to 8 people, making it great for family dinners or gatherings. This dish is also high in protein, ensuring a hearty meal for everyone.
Leftovers reheat well, ensuring you can enjoy this dish again and again.
History
Although the exact origins of Mexican White Trash Casserole are unclear, it has become a beloved staple in Tex-Mex comfort food. This dish reflects a mix of Mexican and American culinary traditions, often featuring ingredients like tortilla chips, salsa, and cream of chicken soup. It combines convenience and flavor with shredded chicken or ground beef, making it a hit for many families.
It’s commonly made for social events such as tailgates and potlucks, making it a family favorite. The name suggests an informal origin, possibly tied to casual dining rather than formal cuisine. Different variations exist, with cooks adapting the recipe to suit local tastes, using ground beef or shredded chicken. Despite its lack of formal recognition, the casserole remains popular due to its simplicity and versatility, evolving over time with each new cook’s touch.
Recipe
Mexican White Trash Casserole
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, combining savory layers of crushed nacho chips, protein, and creamy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish brings together textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The cheesy, crunchy topping paired with the hearty filling is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, this casserole isn’t only delicious but also incredibly versatile.
You can easily customize it by swapping proteins or adjusting the spice levels to suit your taste. Whether you’re using shredded chicken, ground beef, or even a vegetarian option, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe collection. Additionally, the dish is high in protein due to the combination of beans and cheese, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (approximately 10 oz) of Nacho Doritos, crushed
- 2 cups of shredded chicken or ground beef
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (with options for additional cheese on top)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 can (10 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for baking.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken or beef, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Layer half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spread half of the meat mixture over the Doritos, followed by the remaining crushed Doritos. Finally, top with the rest of the meat mixture.
- If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top for a cheesy crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and allow to bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This will help achieve a crunchy topping. Once done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
For best results, consider a few extra tips: You can easily make this dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
If you want to add more texture and nutrition, feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or corn into the filling. Adjust the spice level of the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes to suit your preferences, ensuring that everyone enjoys this comforting casserole.
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table with family and friends, the Mexican White Trash Casserole will surely be a highlight of your meal. This dish combines familiar Mexican flavors with comforting American ingredients, creating a satisfying experience. The layers of crushed Doritos, meat, and cheese offer a delightful mix of textures. Its ease of preparation makes it suitable for busy weeknights or lively gatherings. You can customize it by adjusting the seasoning or adding extra ingredients to suit your taste. The casserole is baked for 20 minutes, serving it with sides like salad or guacamole enhances the meal. Plus, leftovers can be reinvented for new dishes. Overall, this casserole is a delicious, accessible option that will likely become a family favorite.
FAQ
Got questions about the Mexican White Trash Casserole? Let’s clear things up!
You’ll need to cook it for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Start by spraying a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Layer crushed chips, your choice of ground beef or shredded chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese. After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
As for ingredients, you’ll use canned goods like Rotel tomatoes, corn, and black beans, along with taco seasoning for flavor. The inclusion of ground beef provides hearty flavor and protein to the dish.
Want to customize? Adjust the spice level or add toppings like jalapeños and avocado. You can prepare it a day ahead or double the recipe in a 9×13 pan for a larger gathering. Enjoy!
Mexican White Trash Casserole
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 bag approximately 10 oz of Nacho Doritos, crushed
- 2 cups of shredded chicken or ground beef
- 2 cups of shredded cheese with options for additional cheese on top
- 1 can 10.75 oz of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 can 10 oz of diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for baking.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken or beef, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Layer half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spread half of the meat mixture over the Doritos, followed by the remaining crushed Doritos. Finally, top with the rest of the meat mixture.
- If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top for a cheesy crust. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, then remove the foil and allow to bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This will help achieve a crunchy topping. Once done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
- For best results, consider a few extra tips: You can easily make this dish ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- If you want to add more texture and nutrition, feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or corn into the filling. Adjust the spice level of the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes to suit your preferences, ensuring that everyone enjoys this comforting casserole.