Bold, cheesy, and unapologetically comforting, Mexican White Trash Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds. Don’t let the playful name fool you—this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It layers seasoned ground beef, creamy sauces, hearty beans, crunchy corn chips, and plenty of melted cheese into one irresistible bake.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, potlucks, or those weekends when you just want something warm, filling, and full of flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the seasoned beef:
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the casserole layers:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional, roasted for extra flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
- 1 bag Fritos or corn chips, lightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and garlic, then cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with spices, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa. Stir until smooth and fully blended. For extra heat, you can add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the ingredients in the prepared dish:
- Base layer: Spread the seasoned beef evenly across the bottom.
- Vegetable layer: Sprinkle black beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, and corn evenly over the beef.
- Creamy layer: Spoon the creamy sauce over the vegetables and gently spread it out.
- Cheese layer: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
- Crunch layer: Finish with a layer of lightly crushed corn chips for texture.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chip topping turns lightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with extra salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or sliced avocado on the side.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
- Add veggies: Bell peppers, jalapeños, or green onions add color and extra flavor.
- Switch the protein: Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option.
- Cheese upgrade: A mix of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar creates the perfect melt.
- Extra crunch: Add chips only in the last 10 minutes for maximum crispiness.
Why This Casserole Is a Favorite
This dish checks every comfort-food box: savory meat, creamy layers, a hint of spice, melty cheese, and a crunchy topping that keeps things exciting. It’s easy to customize, feeds a crowd, and tastes just as good the next day—if there’s any left.
Simple, bold, and endlessly satisfying, Mexican White Trash Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be fancy to be unforgettable.
