Description: This bold and cheesy Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with layers of crunchy Nacho Doritos, seasoned chicken or beef, melty cheese, and a creamy, zesty filling, this dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing, satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 large bag (10-12 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed (about 8 cups crushed)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken or 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well), divided
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk (or more, if needed, to adjust consistency)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
Preparation:
This casserole is simple to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and easy dish to bring to a gathering. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have cooking spray, you can lightly grease the dish with butter or oil.
- Step 2: Prepare the Meat If using ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in half of the taco seasoning packet and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If using cooked chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If the chicken is plain, toss it with the remaining taco seasoning to add flavor.
- Step 3: Crush the Doritos Pour the bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos into a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag, removing any excess air. Crush the Doritos using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or your hands until they are coarsely crushed. You want a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces for texture. Alternatively, you can pulse them in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process them into a fine powder.
- Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes (undrained), sour cream, milk, and the remaining taco seasoning. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Step 5: Layer the Casserole Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by spreading half of the crushed Doritos evenly at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. This forms the first layer of crunchy goodness.
- Step 6: Add the Meat and Cheese Next, spread half of the seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken evenly over the Doritos layer. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese over the meat layer.
- Step 7: Repeat the Layers Repeat the layers: Spread the remaining crushed Doritos over the cheese, followed by the remaining ground beef or chicken.
- Step 8: Top with Creamy Mixture and Cheese Pour the creamy soup mixture evenly over the entire casserole, making sure to cover all the layers. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top. This will create a delicious, melty cheese topping.
- Step 9: Bake Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the moisture in and prevents the top from burning. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Step 10: Rest and Serve Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of the savory meat, zesty Rotel tomatoes, creamy soup, and crunchy Doritos creates an explosion of flavor in every bite. The taco seasoning adds a touch of spice, while the cheese brings a comforting, melty goodness.
- Easy and Quick: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. You can use different types of meat, cheese, or toppings. Add your favorite vegetables, such as corn or black beans, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Comfort Food: This casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mexican White Trash Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even better:
- Toppings: Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Sides: Pair with a side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans.
- Drinks: Enjoy with a cold glass of beer, a refreshing margarita, or a fizzy soda.
Tips:
Here are some tips to ensure your Mexican White Trash Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overbake: Be careful not to overbake the casserole, as the Doritos can become too hard. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the meat and creamy mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture for a spicier kick.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its layers of crunchy Doritos, seasoned meat, melty cheese, and creamy filling, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want a satisfying meal, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
- Can I use a different type of chip instead of Nacho Cheese Doritos? Yes, you can experiment with different types of chips. Cool Ranch Doritos, Fritos, or even tortilla chips can be used. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the chips you choose.
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef or chicken with black beans, corn, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute. Increase the amount of vegetables to add substance to the casserole.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes? If you don’t have Rotel tomatoes, you can use a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of chopped green chilies. Alternatively, you can use salsa in place of the Rotel tomatoes.
- How can I make this casserole healthier? To make this casserole healthier, use lean ground beef or chicken breast, reduce the amount of cheese, and use low-fat sour cream. You can also add more vegetables, such as corn, black beans, or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value.
