Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a quick and comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor, this Mexican White Trash Casserole is a crowd-pleaser! It combines the crunch of Nacho Doritos with the savory goodness of seasoned meat, creamy soup, and melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make casserole that delivers all the flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes in one dish, making it a family-friendly dinner that everyone will love. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak the seasoning and add more cheese for an extra cheesy experience!
Ingredients
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1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed
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2 cups shredded chicken or ground beef
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2 cups shredded cheese (more if desired)
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1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup milk
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1/2 package taco seasoning (or more, to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken or ground beef, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes (undrained), sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Stir well to make sure everything is well combined.
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Spread half of the crushed Doritos at the bottom of the casserole dish. This creates a crunchy base layer.
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Layer half of the chicken or beef mixture over the Doritos and spread it out evenly.
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Add another layer of crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining chicken or beef mixture.
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For extra cheese lovers, sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheese on top.
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Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. If you’re doubling the recipe and using a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 45 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
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After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set for easy serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes (or 45 minutes if using a larger pan)
Variations
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Vegetarian version: Use black beans or pinto beans instead of meat for a meatless option.
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Spicy twist: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
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Extra cheesy: Increase the amount of cheese both inside and on top of the casserole for a cheesier experience.
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Taco toppings: Serve with fresh toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
What can I use instead of Doritos?
If you’re not a fan of Doritos, you can use other tortilla chips, or even make your own crispy tortilla strips.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded pork would all work well in this casserole.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make the casserole spicier, you can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or use spicy taco seasoning.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a different flavor of Doritos?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different Doritos flavors, like Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili, to add a unique twist to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad would pair wonderfully with this casserole.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, or a lighter version of cream of chicken soup for a healthier alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a 9×13-inch casserole dish and increase the baking time to 45 minutes.
How do I get the casserole to be extra crunchy?
For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed chips on top before baking or bake it uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to get the top chips crispy.
Conclusion
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying crunch. It’s an easy, customizable dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or switch it up with your favorite additions, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
PrintMexican White Trash Casserole
This Mexican White Trash Casserole combines the irresistible crunch of Nacho Doritos with creamy soup, savory seasoned meat, and melted cheese for a quick and comforting family-friendly dinner. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or gatherings, this easy-to-make casserole is customizable and loaded with bold flavors. With the option for a vegetarian version, extra cheesy layers, or a spicy twist, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Try it today for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes (45 minutes if using a 9x13-inch pan)
- Total Time: 45 minutes (55 minutes for larger pan)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed
2 cups shredded chicken or ground beef
2 cups shredded cheese (more if desired)
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 package taco seasoning (or more, to taste)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken or ground beef, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, undrained Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Mix until well combined.
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Spread half of the crushed Doritos at the bottom of the casserole dish.
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Layer half of the chicken or beef mixture over the Doritos.
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Add another layer of crushed Doritos, followed by the remaining chicken or beef mixture.
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For extra cheese, sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheese on top.
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Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. If using a larger 9×13-inch pan, bake for 45 minutes.
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After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set before serving.
Notes
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Vegetarian option: Replace the meat with black beans or pinto beans.
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Spicy variation: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a heat boost.
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Extra cheesy: Double the cheese amount for a cheesy explosion.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2-3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
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Taco toppings: Add guacamole, salsa, or sour cream to serve.