Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s near and dear to my heart: Mexican White Trash Casserole. It sounds… well, let’s just say the name doesn’t do it justice. Think of it like a kicked-up seven-layer dip meets a comforting casserole. It’s the kind of recipe that everyone secretly loves, even if they pretend to be too sophisticated. Honestly, it’s even better than that classic seven layer dip because it’s served warm! This Mexican White Trash Casserole is always a huge hit at potlucks, game nights, or just a regular Tuesday when you need a little something special. It’s a recipe that has been passed down in my family for what seems like ages and it never fails to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
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What is Mexican white trash casserole?
Alright, so, what *is* this mysteriously named dish? Basically, it’s layers of deliciousness all baked together in one pan. Think of it as a warm, cheesy, slightly spicy dip, but in casserole form. We start with a creamy, cheesy base, then load it up with seasoned Ground Beef, refried beans, chopped tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and of course, a generous helping of shredded cheese. It’s essentially the best parts of a taco or nachos, but in a single, shareable pan. The “white trash” part of the name comes from the combination of seemingly random ingredients that come together to make something surprisingly amazing. It’s a humble dish, but trust me, it tastes anything but!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh boy, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why I absolutely adore this Mexican White Trash Casserole recipe. First and foremost, the *flavor* is out of this world. The combination of the creamy cheese sauce, Savory Ground Beef, and the freshness of the tomatoes and green onions is just perfection. It’s a fiesta in your mouth! Then there’s the *simplicity* of it all. You literally just layer everything in a baking dish and pop it in the oven. What could be easier? On top of that, the ingredients are all super *cost-effective*. Ground beef and canned beans are pantry staples, and you can customize the toppings with whatever you have on hand. Finally, it’s so *versatile*. You can serve it with tortilla chips as a dip, or as a main course with a side salad. I’ve even been known to eat it straight out of the pan with a spoon (don’t judge!). What I love most is how easily it adapts. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add some crumbled tortilla chips to the top for extra crunch. This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a real crowd-pleaser and that’s why it has become a staple in our household. It is similar to a king ranch chicken casserole but with a different flavor profile.
How do I make Mexican White Trash Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Mexican White Trash Casserole is so easy it’s almost embarrassing. You basically brown some Ground Beef, mix up a creamy cheese sauce, and then layer everything in a baking dish. Throw it in the oven until bubbly and golden brown, and that’s it! The best part is that you can easily customize it to your liking. Add more spice, different toppings, whatever your heart desires. It’s a very forgiving recipe, so don’t worry about messing it up. Trust me, it is foolproof!
Ingredients
For the Main Casserole:
* 1 pound ground beef: I usually go for 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and leanness.
* 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans: You can use plain or seasoned, depending on your preference. I like to add a packet of taco seasoning to it for added flavor!
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: This is the base of the creamy sauce. Can you substitute cream of chicken or celery if you prefer?
* 1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened: Make sure it’s softening so it mixes in smoothly.
* 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess.
* 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies: For a little kick! Adjust to your spice preference.
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel): Drained, so the casserole doesn’t get too watery.
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Or your favorite cheese blend. I like to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
* 1/2 cup chopped green onions: Adds a fresh, oniony flavor.
* 1/4 cup sliced black olives: Optional, but I love the salty flavor they add.
* Tortilla chips, for serving: Or your favorite dipping vehicle.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown Ground Beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. What is a greasy casserole?
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and diced onion. Set aside. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the refried beans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with browned ground beef, then diced tomatoes and green chilies. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. What is the best way to serve shredded cheese, black olives, and green onions?
Step 5: Bake
In the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. What is a casserole?
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny. Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
What should I serve it with?
Mexican White Trash Casserole is pretty amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas for what to do with it. To serve it with:
For a Party:Serve with tortilla chips for dipping. What are some great toppings for a bar?
For a Meal:Serve with a green salad or some Mexican rice and beans. What are some good side dishes to serve with cornbread?
For a Snack:What are some good side dishes to serve while watching a movie? Just grab a spoon and dig in!
My family always serves this at holidays so it has become a tradition for us. When we have guests we serve it as an appetizer. What’s the best part about a meal?
How do I make a Mexican white trash casserole?
Okay, so I’ve made this Mexican White Trash Casserole more times than I can count, and I have learned a lot from it. What are some tricks along the way? How do I make it perfect every time?
Don’t skip draining!How do you drain ground beef and diced tomatoes really well? If you cook a casserole, it will be watery.
How do you soften cream cheese?How do you make a creamy sauce? If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, you can microwave it for a few seconds to make sure it is completely dry.
Customize your toppings!Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Add some jalapenos for extra heat, or some corn for sweetness. What are some different kinds of cheese?
Use quality ingredients!The better the ingredients, the better it will taste. What is the best ground beef recipe?
Don’t overbakIf you overbake a casserole, it will dry out. Bake it just until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Let it cool slightly! Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving will help it set up a bit and prevent it from being too runny.
Add taco seasoning for extra flavor: If you like it spicy add some taco seasoning to the ground beef!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled down completely before storing.
Reheating Instructions: You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or in the oven. For the microwave, heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. You can also store it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the casserole to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Reheat as directed above.
Always reheat thoroughly: Ensure the casserole is heated all the way through before serving again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks: my family’s treasured Mexican White Trash Casserole recipe. It’s a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy cheese sauce, the savory ground beef, and the fresh toppings all come together in a symphony of flavor that will leave you wanting more. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. If you like this recipe, you might also like my recipe for taco bake casserole or chicken enchilada casserole! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you make!
How to Make the Best Tex-Mex Fiesta Casserole: 5 Tips
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 package tortilla chips lightly crushed
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend divided
- 1 can corn drained
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup salsa mild or spicy
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and a splash of water to the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spread the cooked beef over the chips, followed by corn, black beans, and salsa. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- Top with remaining tortilla chips and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
