Mexican White Trash Casserole
A fun, layered casserole filled with Mexican flavors, featuring crunchy tortilla chips, hearty meat, creamy beans, and melty cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use turkey for a lighter option
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa Your preferred heat level
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese Divided
Toppings
- to taste sour cream
- to taste guacamole
- to taste diced fresh tomatoes
- to taste sliced black olives
- to taste chopped green onions
- to taste fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the refried beans over the chips, spreading them into an even layer.
- Add half of the seasoned beef mixture on top of the beans.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the beef layer.
- Layer the remaining tortilla chips on top, followed by the rest of the beef mixture and finish with the remaining cup of cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then add your favorite toppings.
Notes
Use low-fat ground turkey for a healthier option. You can also add black beans or corn for more texture and flavor. Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot salsa.