Mexican White Trash Casserole

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This comforting Mexican-inspired casserole features crunchy tortilla chips layered with savory seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and plenty of bubbly melted cheese. The hearty dish assembles easily and bakes quickly for a golden, flavorful finish that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy a custom touch with your favorite toppings like rich sour cream, vibrant guacamole, juicy diced tomatoes, briny black olives, or fresh cilantro. Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing meal that pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Serve hot, straight from the oven.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:19:20 GMT
A bowl of nachos with cheese and tomatoes. Pin it
A bowl of nachos with cheese and tomatoes. | gracefulflavors.com

This cheesy Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknights or potlucks. Layers of crunchy tortilla chips, juicy seasoned beef, hearty beans, and golden bubbling cheese come together with a load of fresh toppings for a comforting dish that always disappears fast at my family table.

The first time I whipped this up was for a late-night craving with friends. We ended up scraping the pan clean and they still text me for the recipe months later.

Ingredients

  • Tortilla chips: Lightly crushed for the perfect mix of crisp and tender layers. Look for thick restaurant-style chips that hold up to baking
  • Ground beef or ground turkey: For savory protein. Choose lean meat for the best texture and less grease
  • Taco seasoning: Adds classic flavor. Check for a mix with rich spices and not too much salt
  • Salsa: Binds the meat and brings mild heat. Look for one with fresh tomato flavor and no added sugar
  • Refried beans: Create a creamy layer. Canned versions work great but go for low sodium if possible
  • Shredded Mexican blend cheese: For gooey melty richness. Freshly shredded cheese melts best and tastes the most vibrant
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions and fresh cilantro bring freshness and color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 33 by 23 centimeter baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. This stops the casserole from sticking and makes serving easy
Brown the Meat:
Cook ground beef or turkey in a large skillet set over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks. Let it brown deeply for six to eight minutes. When no pink remains drain off any extra fat to avoid a greasy casserole
Flavor the Meat:
Stir taco seasoning and salsa into the cooked meat. Let it all simmer together for about two to three minutes. This blends the flavors and keeps the mixture juicy
Build the First Layer:
Spread half of your crushed tortilla chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish. Try to cover the surface without making the layer too thick
Add Beans and Meat:
Carefully spoon all the refried beans over the chips and spread them smoothly to the edges. Scoop half of the seasoned meat over the beans and spread out evenly
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle one hundred grams of the shredded cheese across the meat layer. Try to spread it all the way to the corners so each portion has plenty of melty cheese
Repeat the Layers:
Add the rest of the crushed chips over the cheese. Spread out the remaining meat mixture on top of the chips. Finish with the rest of the shredded cheese
Bake Until Bubbly:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and starting to turn golden at the edges. Let the casserole rest for five minutes so it sets up and is easy to serve
Finish and Serve:
Pile on your favorite toppings like sour cream guacamole tomatoes olives green onions or cilantro before serving. Scoop generous portions while it is hot and gooey
A close up of a delicious cheese and tomato covered burrito. Pin it
A close up of a delicious cheese and tomato covered burrito. | gracefulflavors.com

My favorite ingredient is always the cheese because nothing brings everyone to the table like that bubbling golden crust. We once made this for a family movie night and people kept sneaking into the kitchen for just one more bite before the credits rolled.

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers to room temperature then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat individual portions use the microwave or for best texture reheat covered in the oven at moderate heat until warmed through. Avoid freezing if you want to keep the chips crispy since they soften slightly after thawing but the flavor still shines.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or even vegetarian crumbles if you want a meatless version. Black beans or pinto beans work instead of refried beans for even more texture just mash them lightly with a fork. For cheese use cheddar Monterey Jack or pepper Jack for extra spice.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole makes a meal on its own but I love serving it with a crisp salad or grilled corn on the side. If you are feeding a crowd add extra toppings bar style and let everyone build their own plate. Warm tortillas on the side are perfect for scooping up leftovers.

A delicious cheese and tomato covered burrito. Pin it
A delicious cheese and tomato covered burrito. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Context

This dish is a playful spin on classic Tex Mex flavors I grew up with and it always feels like comfort food. Each bite layers together the classic flavors found at family gatherings in the Southwest with a little extra crunch and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the tortilla chips from getting soggy?

Add the crushed chips just before layering and baking, and avoid letting them sit exposed too long before assembly.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken works well for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.

→ What toppings go well with this casserole?

Popular options include sour cream, guacamole, fresh tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and cilantro.

→ How can I make the casserole spicier?

Choose a hotter salsa, add diced jalapeños, or include chili flakes when seasoning the meat for extra heat.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. Add chips and cheese right before baking for best texture.

→ Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Omit the meat and add more beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for a satisfying alternative.

Mexican White Trash Casserole

Hearty layers of tortilla chips, spiced beef, beans, and melty cheese, baked then topped with fresh garnishes.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Casserole foundation

01 1 bag (9–10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
02 1 pound ground beef or turkey
03 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning
04 1 cup salsa, any preferred heat
05 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
06 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

→ Optional toppings for serving

07 Sour cream
08 Guacamole
09 Diced fresh tomatoes
10 Sliced black olives
11 Chopped green onions
12 Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until completely browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until flavors are well blended.

Step 03

Spread half of the lightly crushed tortilla chips evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 04

Spoon refried beans over the chips and spread into an even layer. Top with half the seasoned beef mixture, distributing evenly.

Step 05

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef layer. Add the remaining tortilla chips, then cover with the rest of the beef mixture and finish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese, ensuring full coverage.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges.

Step 07

Allow casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. Add desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and cilantro. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. For crispier texture, assemble with tortilla chips just before baking instead of letting them sit exposed. Use hot salsa or add chili flakes to increase spice level.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Cooking spray or butter
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream), possible gluten (tortilla chips), possible soy (refried beans), possible wheat (taco seasoning), consult packaging for specific allergens.