Dinner

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Name: Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed; 1 pound ground beef or turkey for lighter option; 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz); 1 cup salsa, your preferred heat level; 1 can (15 oz) refried beans; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided; 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, to taste

Byrami Hayes March 6, 2026March 6, 2026

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Introduction

Mexican White Trash Casserole is a flavorful, layered dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for casual dinners or gatherings.

The dish is a white square dish filled with layered nachos. The bottom layer is crispy golden-yellow tortilla chips peeking from the edges. On top of the chips is shredded chicken covered with melted, stringy cheese in pale yellow and white colors. Small red diced tomatoes and green cilantro pieces are scattered over the cheese. There is a dollop of white sour cream sitting on the cheese near the front. A woman's hand is lifting some nachos, showing the stretchy cheese pulling up in long strands. The background is softly blurred with warm tones, and the dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
1 pound ground beef or turkey for lighter option
1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
1 cup salsa, your preferred heat level
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
Sour cream
Guacamole
Diced fresh tomatoes
Sliced black olives
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: 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 to blend flavors.
Step 3: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish for a crunchy base.
Step 4: Spoon the refried beans over the chips and spread into an even layer. Then add half of the beef mixture on top, spreading it out.
Step 5: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef layer. This helps hold the casserole together as it bakes.
Step 6: Add the remaining tortilla chips, then top with the rest of the beef mixture. Finish with the remaining cup of cheese, covering the entire surface.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 8: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like extra heat.
Use black beans instead of refried beans for a chunkier texture.
Try topping with sliced avocado or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to keep the cheese melty without drying out.