Fiery Twist: Spicy Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes an exciting turn with this spicy Mexican white trash casserole that combines hearty ingredients in one delectable dish.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with each mouthwatering bite.

Layers of cheese, meat, and zesty seasonings create a meal that’s both familiar and extraordinary.

Packed with protein and serious southwestern flair, this casserole brings serious heat to your dinner table.

Simple ingredients come together quickly for a satisfying meal that feeds a hungry crowd.

The blend of textures and spices guarantees everyone will ask for seconds.

You’ll love how easily this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Everything Needed for Spicy Mexican Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of the casserole.
• Diced Onion: Adds a savory depth and aromatic base to the beef mixture.

• Black Beans: Provides protein, texture, and a classic Mexican-inspired element.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and a pleasant crunch to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brings a zesty and slightly spicy flavor profile.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a rich and creamy base for the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Enhances the overall moisture and flavor of the dish.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts beautifully and adds a tangy, cheesy topping.

• Tortilla Chips: Provides a crispy layer and textural contrast to the creamy mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Cumin: Delivers a robust and authentic Mexican-inspired seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.

• Sour Cream: Offers a cool and creamy complement to the spicy casserole.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh herb flavor as a finishing touch.

Must-Have Tools for a Spicy Casserole Bake

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and onions with easy heat control.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole, providing the right size and depth.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Helps dice onions and fresh cilantro precisely.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with spices like garlic powder and chili powder.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients and spreading mixture evenly.
• Cheese grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

How to Make Spicy White Trash Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat and stirring until the beef is perfectly browned and onions turn soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Create Flavor Explosion

• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Corn kernels
• Black beans
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until it’s well combined and looks absolutely delicious.

Step 4: Build the Base Layer

Sprinkle half of the crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a crunchy foundation.

Step 5: Pour on the Goodness

Spread the beef mixture evenly over the chip layer, making sure every inch is covered with flavor.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping

Scatter the remaining tortilla chips on top, then blanket the entire dish with a generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese blend.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes.

Top with a dollop of cool sour cream and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top.

Dive in and savor every bite of this southwestern comfort dish!

Tips for a Bold, Cheesy Mexican Casserole

• Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the spiciness and create a more intense Mexican-inspired taste.
• Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey or black bean crumbles for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that reduces overall fat content.
• Use slightly stale tortilla chips for a better texture that holds up during baking, preventing soggy bottom layers in the casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate overnight for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time during busy weeknights.
• Eliminate meat completely and add extra beans, diced bell peppers, and zucchini to create a hearty vegetarian version that's just as satisfying.

Flavorful Variations for Mexican Casserole Fans

• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced tofu, maintaining the spicy flavor profile and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for texture.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bake: Swap tortilla chips with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crackers, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the classic casserole taste.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Casserole: Use gluten-free cream soups, replace regular tortilla chips with corn tortilla chips, and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Mexican Dish: Substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives, use coconut milk-based cream soups, and keep the robust Mexican-inspired seasoning intact.

Serving Up Spicy Mexican Casserole with Sides

• Mexican Fiesta Night: Host a themed dinner party with this casserole as the star, accompanied by margaritas and salsa dancing.
• Picnic Perfect Dish: Pack this cooled casserole in portable containers for an outdoor meal that brings zesty southwestern flavors to your picnic spread.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this hearty casserole during sports events as a filling and flavorful alternative to traditional snacks, guaranteed to satisfy hungry fans.
• Family Comfort Meal: Create a cozy dinner experience by pairing this casserole with a simple green salad and warm cornbread for a complete, satisfying family meal.

Storing Casserole for Quick and Easy Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, bake for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tortilla chips.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free tortilla chips and verify that the cream soups are gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure no gluten-containing products are used.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat from green chilies, chili powder, and cumin. You can adjust spice levels by reducing chili powder or using mild green chilies if you prefer less heat.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Spicy Mexican White Trash Casserole: Why Everyone Loves It

• This spicy Mexican casserole brings excitement to your dinner table with its bold flavors and simple preparation. Here's why you'll love it
• Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen know-how.
• Easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing chili powder and seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.
• Uses common ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a budget-friendly and convenient meal option for busy weeknights.
• Combines classic casserole comfort with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors, creating a dish that satisfies cravings and brings everyone to the table.

Spicy Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty spicy Mexican white trash casserole brings comfort and zest to dinner tables across North America. Home cooks can quickly assemble this simple, crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies cravings for bold flavors and easy preparation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 medium onion, diced

Canned and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onions until meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, carefully draining excess fat.
3. Create a flavor-packed mixture by combining diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, corn, black beans, and a robust blend of garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Crush tortilla chips and evenly distribute half the amount across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a crunchy foundation.
5. Gently spread the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture over the chip layer, ensuring uniform coverage for consistent taste in every bite.
6. Complete the casserole by sprinkling remaining tortilla chips and generously covering with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture, indicating the casserole is thoroughly heated.
8. Allow casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for added freshness and tang.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version that caters to different dietary preferences.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soups and choosing salt-free seasoning blends for a heart-friendly adaptation.
• Enhance flavor complexity by roasting the vegetables before adding them to the casserole, which deepens the overall taste profile and adds a subtle smoky dimension.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, use gluten-free tortilla chips and verify that the cream soups are certified gluten-free to make the dish completely safe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg