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Warm melted cheese, crispy chips, seasoned beef, beans, and fresh toppings come together in this super tasty Mexican White Trash Casserole. It’s a total go-to at my house for chill nights or sharing at parties since there’s never even a crumb left.
Made this for friends late one night and they nearly licked the pan clean. Months later, I still get texts asking for the secret!
Tasty Ingredients
- Optional add-ons: Fresh cilantro, tomatoes, green onion, olives, guac, or sour cream make it extra colorful and zesty
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: You want it to melt nice and gooey, so fresh shreds melt best
- Refried beans: Canned works just fine—look for low salt if you can—for a creamy layer
- Salsa: Helps keep the meat moist and adds a mild kick—pick a version that's not loaded with sugar
- Taco seasoning: Brings that classic taco flavor, but try to grab one that's not too salty
- Ground beef or turkey: Choose lean for less fat and lots of tasty protein
- Tortilla chips: Go for thick, sturdy ones and crush them up—they need to stand up to baking
Easy Instructions
- Finish and Serve:
- Toss on toppings like cilantro, olives, salsa, sour cream, or guac if you want. Dish it up while it’s still hot and super gooey
- Bake:
- Pop the dish in the oven for twenty to twenty-five minutes. Look for the cheese to get bubbly and gold at the edges. Cool five minutes before cutting so it holds together
- Repeat:
- Layer the rest of the crumbly chips on the melty cheese. Spoon the other half of the meat over that, and top it all with the last bit of cheese
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle about a hundred grams of cheese evenly over the meat—you want it all the way to the corners so no bite is left out
- Beans and Meat:
- Drop all the beans over those chips and smooth them out. Then spread half the taco meat mixture over the beans in an even layer
- First Layer:
- Scoop half your crushed tortilla chips into the greased dish, making sure the bottom is covered but not piled too thick
- Season Meat:
- Mix in taco seasoning and salsa with the browned meat. Simmer a few minutes so it gets super flavorful and juicy
- Brown Meat:
- Set a big skillet on medium and cook your ground meat. Crumble it up as it cooks, keep going until browned—about six to eight minutes. Drain off extra grease
- Prep Baking Dish:
- Spray or rub a 33 by 23 centimeter pan with oil or butter so things don’t stick—you’ll thank yourself later
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I can’t ever resist the cheese layer. There’s something about that golden, bubbly top that brings people running—even at movie night when everyone raids the kitchen for seconds before the credits are done.
Leftover Tips
Let leftovers chill to room temp, then cover and keep them in the fridge for three days tops. When you're ready, heat single servings in the microwave, or for the best cheesy texture pop it back in the oven covered until hot. If you freeze it, chips get a bit soft, but honestly it still tastes great.
Swap Ideas
Try ground turkey, veggie crumbles, or your favorite plant protein if you’re skipping beef. Swap in black or pinto beans instead of refried—just mash ‘em a bit first. Any shredded cheese like pepper Jack, cheddar, or Monterey Jack will taste awesome too.
How To Serve
This dish is filling on its own but if you want more, add a crunchy salad or grilled corn. Feeding a gang? Set out bowls of extra toppings so everyone can make their perfect plate. Warm up some tortillas for scooping up the leftovers.
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What Makes It Special
This is like the playful Tex Mex flavors I grew up with but with a funny twist. Every bite has all the classic family party tastes of the Southwest plus that nice crunch I always crave.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What’s the trick to keeping the chips nice and crisp?
Don’t toss in the chips until you’re ready to bake, and get everything assembled quickly so they stay crunchy once it hits the oven.
- → Could I swap in a different meat for the beef?
Definitely! Try using cooked turkey or grab a rotisserie chicken for a change—both keep the flavors tasty and lighten it up.
- → What are some tasty toppings for this casserole?
You can pile on chopped tomatoes, green onions, a scoop of guac, sliced black olives, some cilantro, or a swirl of sour cream.
- → How would I make this dish hotter?
Go for a spicy salsa, toss in some chopped jalapeños, or shake in red pepper flakes while browning your beef to turn up the heat.
- → Is it okay to prep this ahead of time?
You sure can! Build it up and pop it in the fridge. Just save the chips and cheese for just before baking to keep everything tasty and crisp.
- → How do I make this casserole vegetarian-friendly?
Skip the meat and go heavy on beans, or toss in some sautéed veggies like corn, bell peppers, or even zucchini for a full flavor.