Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a family dinner. This layered casserole combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes, topped with sour cream, melted cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flavors that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the beef mixture.
5. Top with a layer of sour cream, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Repeat the layers, starting with another layer of the beef mixture, followed by sour cream and cheese.
7. Finally, top the casserole with a generous layer of crushed tortilla chips.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Jalapeños: For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture or sprinkle over the top before baking.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use a meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or extra beans and veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
• Taco Toppings: Serve the casserole with taco toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, guacamole, or a dollop of salsa and sour cream.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the microwave for individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Be sure to adjust seasoning levels to taste.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving.
3. Can I freeze Mexican White Trash Casserole?
   Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
4. Can I use different beans?
   Yes, you can substitute black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other type of beans you prefer.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
   The recipe is not very spicy on its own, but you can adjust the heat by adding extra chili powder, jalapeños, or a hotter salsa.
6. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
   Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream. It provides a similar creamy texture but with more protein.
7. How can I make this casserole even more filling?
   To make the casserole more filling, you can add rice to the layers, either brown or white rice, or even some diced potatoes.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
   Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but be sure to chop them finely and consider adding a little extra seasoning to balance the flavor.
9. What can I serve with this casserole?
   Serve it with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or guacamole and chips to complete the meal.
10. Can I skip the tortilla chips?
    While the chips add a nice crunch, you can omit them for a more casserole-like texture. Alternatively, you could top it with crushed tortilla strips or croutons for crunch.

Conclusion

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a quick, delicious, and customizable dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors in one easy-to-make meal. The combination of seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family dinners. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy it as is or make it your own with fun, flavorful twists!

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