Description
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a comforting Tex-Mex baked dish featuring seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and layers of crunchy tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy one-dish casserole is perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, combining creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef and 1/2 cup diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Season the Beef: Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly mixed with the beef.
- Add Rotel, Soup, and Sour Cream: Add the entire 10-ounce can of Rotel, 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 cup sour cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture, ensuring the cheese melts slightly and blends in.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom. Layer the beef and cheese mixture over the chips, then top with the remaining crushed chips. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving for easier portioning.
Notes
- For added heat, use hot Rotel or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- This casserole pairs well with a side salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
