Mexican White Trash Casserole – Bold Flavor, Easy Layers (2025)

If you’re craving something bold, cheesy, and unapologetically satisfying, Mexican White Trash Casserole is the dish you need to know. It’s one of those throw it together, crowd pleasing meals that hits the spot every time. This guide will walk you through the ingredients, step by step method, substitutions like ground beef, calorie info, freezing tips, and everything you didn’t know you needed to know. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers big flavor with low effort. Let’s dig into the comfort food you’ll keep coming back to.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Casserole That Shouldn’t Work But Totally Does

How This Became a Go To Favorite in My Kitchen

The name might make you raise an eyebrow, but don’t let that stop you. Mexican White Trash Casserole is messy in the best possible way creamy, spicy, melty, and layered with everything comforting. I first had a version of it at a neighbor’s potluck. No one really knew who brought it, but the tray was nearly empty before dinner even officially started. It was that good.

I recreated it at home the next night with what I had: shredded chicken, cream cheese, canned green chiles, salsa, tortilla chips, and way too much cheese. It baked into a gooey, golden, bubbling pan of flavor I couldn’t stop scooping. Since then, I’ve made it a dozen ways from weeknight shortcuts to slow cooker Sundays.

It’s not fancy, but it’s deeply satisfying. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. A no rules, all flavor casserole that brings people to the table without apology.

You’ll find more satisfying, low fuss meals like this in our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe.

How to Make Mexican White Trash Casserole (Ingredients + Easy Steps)

The Ingredients You Need for This Comfort Bomb

One of the best things about Mexican White Trash Casserole is that you probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now. It’s a pantry friendly meal that relies on low cost, high flavor staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or ground beef more on that below)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel or diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 block (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup salsa or taco sauce
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Doritos for a twist)
• 1/2 packet taco seasoning
• Optional: black beans, corn, jalapeños, green onions

You can customize this endlessly, and that’s part of its charm. Add more heat, layer in beans, or top with fresh cilantro before serving. It’s flexible enough to fit your mood, your pantry, or your leftovers.

Step-by-Step: From One Bowl to Bubbly Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Mix all ingredients except the cheese and chips—in a large bowl.
3. Layer 1 cup crushed chips on the bottom of the dish.
4. Spread half of the mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with cheese.
5. Repeat the layering: chips, filling, cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for easier scooping.

Want a slow cooker version? You can layer it the same way in your crockpot and heat on low for 3–4 hours.

Ground Beef Swap, Calorie Info & What’s Really Inside

Can You Use Ground Beef Instead of Chicken?

Absolutely. One of the reasons I love Mexican White Trash Casserole is its flexibility. While shredded chicken is classic and quick (especially from a rotisserie), ground beef brings a deeper, heartier flavor. If you’re using beef, here’s how to adjust:

• Brown 1 lb of lean ground beef with taco seasoning
• Drain excess fat
• Mix it in just like the shredded chicken

It turns the dish into something richer and a little more indulgent. You can even use ground turkey or leftover pulled pork if that’s what’s in the fridge.

Craving more easy beef meals? Try our Taco Rice Casserole or Beef & Bean Burrito Bake same comfort, different flavor profile.

How Many Calories Are in Mexican White Trash Casserole?

The calorie count depends on your ingredients and serving size, but here’s a general estimate:

For 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of a 9×13 dish) using chicken, full fat cheese, and tortilla chips:

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	480–550
Protein	25–30g
Carbohydrates	30–35g
Fat	28–32g

To lighten it up, you can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use low fat cheese, or reduce the chips.

Make-Ahead Tips, Freezing & Reheating Mexican White Trash Casserole

Can You Make It Ahead or Freeze It?

Yes and that’s one of the best things about Mexican White Trash Casserole. It’s a dream for meal preppers, potlucks, or busy weeknights.

To make ahead:

• Assemble the casserole fully, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
• When ready, bake as directed just add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

To freeze:

• Prepare it up to the baking step.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Want to freeze in smaller portions? Use individual ramekins or divide into two 8×8 pans.

How to Reheat Leftovers Like a Pro

Leftovers reheat beautifully sometimes even better than the first time.

• Oven method (recommended): Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power in 30-second bursts to avoid drying it out.
• Air fryer: Great for getting the top crispy again try 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

If you’re packing lunches or meal prepping, this dish holds up well in containers and reheats without losing texture. Pair with our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup for a hearty, balanced lunch that travels well.

Check more recipe on my pinterest

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Conclusion

Mexican White Trash Casserole is loud, cheesy, messy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for the first time or the fiftieth, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like home. Easy to customize, quick to assemble, and impossible to mess up it’s comfort food without the fuss or the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions