Mexican White Trash Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Tex-Mex Twist

If you are looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with minimal effort, this Mexican White Trash Casserole is exactly what you need. It is rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors that make every bite satisfying. This is the kind of dish you prepare when you want something comforting, filling, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at the dinner table.

I first made this casserole for a casual family gathering, not expecting it to become such a hit. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, sweet corn, zesty tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips baked under melted cheese created layers of flavor and texture that worked beautifully together. I even tried it once with pepper jack cheese for extra heat, and it turned out fantastic. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is incredibly easy to assemble, uses simple pantry ingredients, and offers a rich, satisfying Tex-Mex flavor profile that appeals to both adults and children.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of this casserole. It provides richness and depth, especially when browned properly and seasoned well. I recommend using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while still maintaining flavor.

Taco seasoning
This spice blend adds the signature Tex-Mex taste. Typically made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, taco seasoning brings warmth and a mild kick that infuses the beef beautifully.

Cream of mushroom soup
This ingredient creates the creamy foundation of the casserole. It binds everything together and adds a smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the crunchy topping.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies
These tomatoes contribute brightness, acidity, and a gentle heat. The green chilies enhance the Mexican-inspired flavor and keep the casserole from feeling too heavy.

Whole kernel corn
Corn adds natural sweetness and texture. The slight crunch balances the creamy elements and seasoned meat.

Sour cream
Sour cream enriches the casserole and adds a subtle tanginess. It helps create a luscious, creamy consistency throughout the dish.

Shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar melts beautifully and provides a sharp, savory finish. A generous layer on top creates that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.

Tortilla chips
Crushed tortilla chips add structure and a satisfying crunch. They also enhance the Tex-Mex theme and absorb some of the creamy mixture while maintaining texture.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their aroma.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), drained corn, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips evenly over the top, then finish with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Equipment needed : Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 to 8 portions
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. For best results, reheat larger portions in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed evenly. Keep in mind that the tortilla chips may soften over time, but the flavor remains excellent.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of this casserole is how adaptable it is. If you prefer a spicier version, substitute regular diced tomatoes with hot diced tomatoes and green chilies or add chopped jalapeños. I once mixed in a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, and it elevated the dish beautifully.

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. The flavor remains delicious while reducing the overall fat content. You can also swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer fewer processed ingredients.

To add more vegetables, consider stirring in black beans, bell peppers, or even zucchini. These additions increase both nutrition and texture. For a richer twist, blend a small amount of cream cheese into the mixture before baking.

If you enjoy layering casseroles, try creating alternating layers of meat mixture and crushed chips instead of placing all the chips on top. You can also experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier finish.

This dish is highly forgiving, which makes it ideal for using up pantry staples while still delivering bold, comforting flavors.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Below is the approximate nutrition information per serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	26 g
Carbohydrates	32 g
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	980 mg

This casserole is high in protein and rich in flavor, though it is also higher in sodium and fat due to the cheese and creamy components.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Brown the beef thoroughly
Allow the beef to develop slight caramelization for deeper flavor before adding seasoning.

Drain ingredients properly
Draining excess fat and corn liquid prevents the casserole from becoming watery.

Let it rest before serving
Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes helps it firm up and slice neatly.

Balance the crunch
Add extra crushed chips just before serving if you prefer a crispier topping.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking.

Can I freeze Mexican White Trash Casserole?

Yes, freeze it before baking for best texture, and bake directly from frozen with additional cooking time.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce.

Is this casserole very spicy?

It has mild heat from the taco seasoning and green chilies, but you can easily adjust the spice level.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure your soup and seasoning are certified gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

A simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans complement this dish nicely.

Conclusion

Mexican White Trash Casserole is the definition of comfort food with a Tex-Mex flair. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with seasoned beef and vibrant ingredients, it is simple enough for weeknights yet satisfying enough for gatherings. Its versatility and bold flavor make it a dependable recipe you will return to again and again.

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