Mexican Trash Casserole (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Base layers
01 -
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, split
02 -
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
03 -
1 cup salsa, pick your favorite heat
04 -
1 pound ground beef or turkey
05 -
1 packet taco seasoning (around 1 oz)
06 -
1 bag (9–10 oz) tortilla chips, gently broken up
→ Topping choices
07 -
Fresh cilantro
08 -
Guacamole
09 -
Chopped green onions
10 -
Diced tomatoes
11 -
Sour cream
12 -
Sliced black olives
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Once it’s out of the oven, give it about 5 minutes to sit. Now’s your chance to toss on all the extra toppings you like—guac, sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, green onion, cilantro—then scoop and enjoy it nice and warm.
02 -
Slide your dish into the oven and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to get super melty, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden on the sides.
03 -
Now, sprinkle on a cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Go in with the rest of your chips, then the rest of your beef mix, and spread that last cup of cheese right on top so everything’s cozy and covered.
04 -
Spread the beans right on top of those chips, making sure you get an even layer. Drop on half your spiced-up beef mixture and spread it out all over.
05 -
Grab half your crushed chips and scatter them in the bottom of the baking dish you already prepped.
06 -
Set your skillet over medium heat and brown up the ground beef until it’s all cooked and there’s no pink left—should take about 6–8 minutes. Drain any extra grease away. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, pour in the salsa, and let it all simmer for a couple of minutes until it smells awesome.
07 -
Flip the oven to 375°F to let it heat up. Grease your 9x13-inch dish with some cooking spray or rub in butter so nothing sticks.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
For crunchier chips, put them in just before baking so they don’t get soggy. For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or throw in red chili flakes.