Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious!

Welcome to a cozy dinner favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious – Mexican White Trash Casserole. This hearty dish is a staple for busy nights when you crave a flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Picture layers of crunchy tortilla chips, savory beef or turkey, zesty taco seasoning, and gooey cheese, all coming together in one irresistible casserole.

Despite its unconventional name, Mexican White Trash Casserole has earned its spot as a crowd-pleaser in many households. The aroma of this dish baking in the oven will surely make your mouth water, and the taste will keep you coming back for seconds. From family gatherings to potlucks, this casserole always steals the show and disappears quickly.

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences – swap ingredients, add extra spice, or top it with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. Whether you’re serving it up for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Mexican White Trash Casserole is sure to become a beloved dish in your recipe rotation.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting and satisfying Tex-Mex casserole perfect for busy weeknights
• Versatile recipe allows for ingredient swaps to cater to different preferences and dietary needs
• Easy to make in advance and freeze for a convenient meal option
• Adaptable spice level and customizable toppings for a personalized touch

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious! Recipe

• Flavorful Layers: Enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy tortilla chips, savory beef or turkey, refried beans, and gooey cheese in every bite.
• Easy and Quick: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a fuss-free yet delicious meal that the whole family will love.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like meat, beans, and veggies to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with a simple salad, over rice, or add fresh toppings like avocado and grilled corn for a fresh twist.
• Potluck Hit: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings, potlucks, or family get-togethers where everyone will be asking for seconds.
• Make It Your Own: Experiment with adding extra spice, more layers, or different toppings to create a personalized version of this classic Tex-Mex casserole.
• Convenient Leftovers: Store leftovers for up to three days in the fridge or freeze for up to two months for an easy and delicious future meal option.
• Comforting and Cozy: Reminiscent of home-cooked meals that bring warmth and nostalgia to the table, making it a favorite for all generations.

Ingredients for Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious!

Main Components

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
• 1 bag (9 to 10 ounces) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Optional Garnishes

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Chopped green onions

Pro Tips for Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious!

Pro Tip 1: To keep the tortilla chips crispy, layer them in between other ingredients rather than placing them on top. This helps prevent them from getting soggy during baking.

Pro Tip 2: Customize the casserole with your favorite toppings like pickled jalapeños, corn, or diced bell peppers. This dish is versatile, so feel free to get creative with your additions.

Pro Tip 3: For a time-saving option, prep the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

How to Make Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious!

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Brown Protein

Cook ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Mix in taco seasoning and salsa with the cooked meat. Allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4: Layer Base

Evenly layer half of the crushed tortilla chips on the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 5: Add Beans and Meat

Spread refried beans evenly over the chips, then top with half of the seasoned meat mixture.

Step 6: First Cheese Layer

Evenly distribute 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the meat layer.

Step 7: Final Layers

Sprinkle the remaining crushed chips on top and add the remaining meat mixture.

Step 8: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Take out of the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Top with desired toppings and serve promptly.

Storage Tips

To store the Mexican White Trash Casserole, place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The crunchy tortilla chips may soften over time, but the flavors will deepen, and the casserole reheats well in the oven or microwave. If you plan to freeze the casserole, assemble the layers without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw the frozen casserole in the fridge before baking.

When serving the casserole, consider adding fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and chopped cilantro for extra flavor and freshness. You can also customize the dish by swapping the protein for chicken or pork, using black beans instead of refried beans, or adding in extra veggies like corn or zucchini. This versatile Tex-Mex casserole is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for gatherings or as a make-ahead dish for busy weeknights.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian twist, consider using black beans instead of refried beans and adding corn or veggie crumbles for added protein and flavor.

If you prefer a different protein, rotisserie chicken or shredded pork can easily replace the ground beef or turkey to switch up the flavor profile of the casserole.

Feel free to customize the level of heat by using a spicier salsa, adding jalapeños, or incorporating chipotle powder for a smoky kick. Adjusting the heat level ensures the dish suits your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and flavorful twist on this Mexican White Trash Casserole, try serving it in individual tortilla bowls. Layer the crushed tortilla chips, beef or turkey mixture, refried beans, and cheese in the tortilla bowl and bake until bubbly and golden. Top with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a cute and tasty presentation.

Another creative serving idea for this casserole is to turn it into a Mexican White Trash Casserole dip. Spread a layer of warm refried beans on the bottom of a baking dish, followed by the beef or turkey mixture, salsa, and cheese. Bake until bubbly and serve with a side of tortilla chips for dipping. This interactive dish is perfect for parties and gatherings, allowing guests to customize their bites with their favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes.

FAQs for Cheesy Mexican Casserole Recipe: Easy and Delicious!

Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! Any shredded Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey jack cheese adds great flavor and melts smoothly.

How can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Swap the meat for sautéed veggies or plant-based crumbles to keep it vegetarian while maintaining a hearty casserole.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this casserole?

Use a spicy salsa, add jalapeños, or mix in chipotle powder to kick up the heat according to your taste.

What are some classic toppings for this casserole?

Classic toppings include sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mexican White Trash Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With its versatile nature, you can customize it to your liking by adding extra veggies, switching up the protein, or spicing it up to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Don’t forget to add those final touches of sour cream, guacamole, and fresh toppings like cilantro and green onions for an extra burst of flavor. And remember, if you manage to have any leftovers, they make for a delicious lunch the next day. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this Mexican White Trash Casserole and watch it disappear before your eyes as your loved ones savor every cheesy, crunchy bite.