Mexican White Trash Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic with a Bold Twist

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cozy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal, Mexican White Trash Casserole is here to steal the show. Loaded with savory chicken or beef, creamy sauce, zesty Rotel tomatoes, melty cheese, and a satisfying layer of crushed Doritos, this easy casserole is pure comfort in a dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a hearty meal that everyone will rave about, this recipe is your new best friend.

This dish is ideal for families, students, potluck enthusiasts, and anyone who craves bold flavors and a no-fuss cooking experience. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, freezes like a dream, and is endlessly customizable depending on what you have in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love Mexican White Trash Casserole

• Quick and easy: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients.

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, crunchy goodness.

• Customizable: Swap proteins, cheeses, or even add veggies.

• Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for meals all week long.

• Bold, zesty flavors: A winning combo of creamy, cheesy, and spicy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed

• 2 cups shredded chicken or ground beef

• 2 cups shredded cheese (plus extra for topping if desired)

• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup milk

• ½ package taco seasoning (adjust to taste)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 2-quart casserole dish

• Nonstick cooking spray

• Aluminum foil

• Large spoon or spatula

• Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 2-quart casserole dish generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken or cooked ground beef, 1 cup of shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes (undrained for maximum flavor), sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended into a creamy, cheesy mixture.

3. Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Spoon half of the meat and sauce mixture over the Doritos. Repeat the layers with the remaining crushed Doritos and meat mixture.

Pro Tip: Lightly press down on the first Doritos layer to create a sturdy base that holds the casserole together nicely.

4. Top with More Cheese

If you’re a true cheese lover, don’t skip this step! Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top of the casserole for a gooey, golden crust that’s utterly irresistible.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep everything moist. Bake for 35 minutes if making a single batch. If you’ve doubled the recipe and are using a larger dish, increase the baking time to about 45 minutes.

6. Rest and Serve

After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes to set slightly before serving. This rest time helps everything hold together beautifully when sliced.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

• Chicken shortcut: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.

• Customize the spice: If you love extra heat, use a spicier Rotel variety or add diced jalapeños to the mix.

• Creamy upgrade: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile.

• Doritos choices: Try Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos for a fun flavor twist.

• Healthier tweaks: Use baked tortilla chips and light sour cream to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Variations and Ingredient Swaps

• Ground turkey: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.

• Vegetarian version: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed peppers instead of meat.

• Different cheeses: Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

• Salsa swap: Substitute salsa for the Rotel if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerator:
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container.

Reheating:
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat covered in the oven at 300°F until hot, about 20 minutes.

Tip:
If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best texture.

Food and Drink Pairings

• Sides: Serve with a fresh green salad, Mexican street corn, or a simple guacamole and chips platter.

• Drinks: Pair with a cold Mexican lager, a fruity sangria, or a margarita for a full fiesta feel.

• Dessert: End the meal with churros, tres leches cake, or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream.

FAQ: Mexican White Trash Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.

What’s the best meat to use?
Both shredded chicken and ground beef are delicious options. Shredded pork or ground turkey also work beautifully.

Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely. Use mild Rotel and skip the taco seasoning or use only a quarter packet instead of half.

Will the Doritos stay crunchy?
The Doritos will soften slightly as they bake, especially the bottom layer. If you prefer extra crunch, reserve some crushed Doritos to sprinkle on top halfway through baking.

Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Use gluten-free tortilla chips instead of Doritos and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

Final Thoughts

Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate easy comfort food: bold, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a no-fuss dinner, this casserole has you covered. Best of all, it’s customizable to fit your cravings and what’s already in your pantry!

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Happy cooking!