Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Tasty Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe for Fun Dinners

Whipping up a mexican white trash casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Creamy cheese and hearty layers promise a satisfying meal that’ll make mouths water.

Ingredients dance together in a simple yet mouthwatering combination of flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Convenience meets flavor in this crowd-pleasing recipe that sparks instant excitement.

Pantry staples transform into a memorable meal that everyone will devour.

Dive into this no-fuss culinary adventure and watch your dinner table light up with smiles.

Why This Trash Casserole Packs So Much Flavor

  • Crush Cravings Quickly: Dive into a mouthwatering meal that combines zesty chicken, crunchy Doritos, and melted cheese in one delightful dish.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and basic ingredients make this casserole a lifesaver for busy families needing a delicious dinner solution.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for ground beef, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to match your family's taste preferences and keep things exciting.
  • Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Packed with familiar flavors and textures that children love, this casserole transforms mealtime into a fun and satisfying experience.

Ingredients for Mexican Trash Casserole Dish

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Shredded Chicken: The protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Doritos: Crunchy corn chips that create a crispy texture and add a zesty corn flavor to the dish.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy binding agent that helps hold the casserole together and adds rich flavor.
For the Dairy Components:
  • Sour Cream, Milk, Shredded Cheese: These ingredients contribute to the creamy and smooth texture of the casserole.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Rotel Tomatoes, Taco Seasoning: These ingredients bring a spicy Mexican-inspired taste and add depth to the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Make Mexican White Trash Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 2-quart casserole dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Rotel tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Taco seasoning

Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended and looks creamy.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Start layering the casserole by spreading half of the crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared dish.

Pour half of the chicken mixture evenly over the chips. Repeat the layers by adding another layer of crushed Doritos and the remaining chicken mixture.

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top to create a golden, melty surface.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35 minutes. During the final 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to turn golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and savor the delicious Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Pro Tips for Baking This Cheesy Casserole

  • Swap shredded chicken with ground beef or turkey for variety in protein and flavor profile.
  • Use low-fat dairy options like Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
  • Crush Doritos less finely for extra crunch and texture in each delicious bite of the casserole.
  • Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to increase the spice level and bring more zesty Mexican-inspired flavor.
  • Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Twists on the Trash Casserole Recipe

  • Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu crumbles, using vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortilla chips instead of Doritos, and select a gluten-free cream soup to create a celiac-friendly casserole.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap regular cheese with pepper jack for an extra fiery kick.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute crushed Doritos with crushed pork rinds or almond flour-based chips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crunchy texture.

What to Pair with This Hearty Casserole

  • Enhance Creamy Chicken Flavor: Pair with crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, cutting through the rich, cheesy casserole and refreshing the palate.
  • Amplify Zesty Taco Notes: Serve alongside fresh cilantro-lime rice, which complements the Rotel tomatoes and adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the creamy dish.
  • Balance Spicy Undertones: Add a cool, creamy avocado salad dressed with lime and salt, neutralizing the taco seasoning's heat while providing a smooth texture contrast.
  • Elevate Comfort Food Experience: Top with fresh pico de gallo, introducing fresh vegetable crunch and acidic notes that lighten the hearty casserole's dense profile.

Storage Tips for White Trash Casserole

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent contamination.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning add a mild to moderate kick, but you can adjust the heat by choosing mild Rotel or reducing the taco seasoning.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even canned tuna work great as substitutes for shredded chicken.

  • What if I can't find Doritos?

No worries! You can swap Doritos with tortilla chips, corn chips, or even crushed crackers for a similar crunchy texture.

  • Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, most kids love this casserole because of its cheesy, crunchy texture and mild flavors that aren’t too overwhelming.

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Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets creativity in this Mexican White Trash Casserole, blending hearty ingredients with zesty southwestern flair. Cheese-laden layers promise a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or preferred variety)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

Base and Seasonings:

  • 1 bag nacho Doritos, crushed
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes (with diced green chilies), drained
  • 1/2 package taco seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning until the mixture is uniformly blended.
  3. Create the first base layer by evenly distributing crushed Doritos across the bottom of the prepared dish, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Carefully spread half of the chicken mixture over the Doritos, creating a consistent layer that reaches the edges of the dish.
  5. Repeat the layering process by adding another layer of crushed Doritos on top of the chicken mixture.
  6. Pour the remaining chicken mixture over the second Doritos layer, maintaining an even distribution.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the entire surface, covering the casserole completely.
  8. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
  9. Remove the foil during the final 10 minutes of baking to create a crispy, golden cheese topping.
  10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by selecting mild, medium, or hot Rotel tomatoes to match your heat preference.
  • Swap chicken with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter, alternative protein option.
  • Use low-fat dairy products and reduced-sodium soup to create a healthier version of this comfort food classic.
  • Crush Doritos just before layering to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 524 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 920 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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