Description
Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort-food mashup — cheesy, creamy, crunchy, and boldly seasoned. It layers seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, Rotel tomatoes, corn, taco spices, crushed tortilla chips, and loads of melted cheese into one irresistible baked dish.
This casserole is beloved for its bold Tex-Mex flavor, budget-friendly ingredients, and easy prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. The creamy filling balances beautifully with the crunchy chip topping, while the taco seasoning and Rotel bring just the right amount of spice and tang. It’s rich, satisfying, nostalgic, and always a hit at gatherings.
Best of all — it’s endlessly customizable. You can add beans, swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or lighten it up for Weight Watchers without losing flavor.
🕒 Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
🍽 Servings
8 servings
🛒 Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
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1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
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1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup frozen corn (optional but classic)
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2 cups crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
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2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
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½ cup sour cream (optional but creamy)
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Cooking spray
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook Meat
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes.
3️⃣ Mix Filling
In a large bowl, combine cooked meat, soups, corn, and sour cream (if using). Stir until well blended.
4️⃣ Layer
Spread mixture evenly into prepared dish. Sprinkle crushed chips over top, then cover with shredded cheese.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6️⃣ Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before scooping.
⭐ Weight Watchers (WW) Points (Estimated)
🔹 Classic Version:
➡️ 9–10 SmartPoints per serving
🔹 Lightened WW Version:
Use:
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Extra-lean turkey
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Reduced-fat cheese
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Light soups
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Baked tortilla chips
➡️ 5–6 SmartPoints per serving
💡 Tips for Best Results
✔ Drain meat and Rotel well — prevents watery casserole
✔ Crush chips right before topping for maximum crunch
✔ Let rest 5 minutes after baking to firm up
✔ Add jalapeños if you like heat
✔ Double recipe for potlucks — disappears fast
📝 Recipe Notes
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Texture Balance: Creamy filling + crunchy topping is what makes this dish addictive — don’t skip chips.
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Flavor Boost: Add ½ tsp cumin or smoked paprika for deeper Tex-Mex flavor.
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Protein Options: Ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based crumbles work great.
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Vegetable Add-Ins: Black beans, bell peppers, zucchini, or onions increase nutrition.
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Make It Spicy: Use hot Rotel or add chipotle powder.
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Make It Mild: Use plain diced tomatoes and mild taco seasoning.
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Serving Size Tip: This casserole is rich — small portions are filling.
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Kid-Friendly: Use mild seasoning and skip green chilies if needed.
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Storage: Refrigerates beautifully for leftovers and reheats well.
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Crowd Feeding: Double batch fits a large roasting pan for parties.
❓ Q & A
Q: Why is it called “White Trash Casserole”?
It’s a playful, old-school comfort-food name referring to pantry staples and bold flavors — not meant negatively, just nostalgic.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze baked or unbaked up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Q: Can I make it low-carb?
Yes — skip chips and replace soups with cream cheese + sour cream blend.
Q: What goes well with it?
Green salad, guacamole, salsa, rice, or roasted veggies.
🌮 Serving Ideas
Top with sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, or hot sauce.