Sometimes, comfort food is all about throwing together bold, crave-worthy ingredients into one bubbling, golden, cheesy dish. Enter the unapologetically indulgent Mexican White Trash Casserole — a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make baked dish that’s a hit at potlucks, family dinners, and game day parties. This casserole doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it definitely delivers big-time flavor.
Combining crushed nacho cheese Doritos, creamy soup, zesty taco seasoning, and your choice of protein, this dish is a cheesy celebration of Tex-Mex flavors. It’s rich, satisfying, and ridiculously simple to prepare with pantry staples and minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Assembly: Minimal prep, everything mixes in one bowl.
- Flavor-Packed: Spicy, creamy, cheesy, crunchy — all the good stuff.
- Customizable: Use chicken or beef, and play with spice levels.
- Crowd-Friendly: Easily doubles for large gatherings.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and reheat with ease.
Ingredients Breakdown
Core Ingredients:
- 1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed (about 9–11 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or cooked ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend; more if desired)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained (original or hot, based on spice preference)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 packet taco seasoning (or more to taste)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Jalapeño slices for heat
- Extra Doritos for topping
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Add your choice of shredded chicken or ground beef and 1.5 cups of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together.
Optional: Mix in black beans, corn, or chopped green onions at this stage.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos on the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
- Pour the chicken/beef mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle the remaining Doritos on top.
- Finish with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with jalapeños, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or more cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)
- Calories: ~450–500 kcal
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~850mg
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Protein: Use rotisserie chicken for ease, or brown some lean ground beef for extra flavor.
- Crush Doritos Gently: You want a mix of crumbs and small chunks — not Dorito dust.
- Spice Control: Use hot Rotel and extra taco seasoning for more heat, or dial it back with mild versions.
- Make It a Meal: Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to bulk it up.
- Crunchy Topping: Save a handful of Doritos to sprinkle on just before serving to retain crunch.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Perfect For:
- Weeknight Dinners: Easy to prep and bake on busy days.
- Potlucks and Parties: Always a hit and easy to transport.
- Game Day Snacks: Serve with sour cream and salsa for dipping.
- Leftover Makeovers: Use leftover taco meat or chicken from another meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a lime vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Mexican Street Corn: A creamy, spicy side that complements the dish.
- Refried Beans: Add more protein and fiber.
- Fresh Fruit or Slaw: Something cool and tangy to contrast the heat.
Fun Variations
- Taco Bake: Layer tortillas instead of Doritos for a more classic Mexican casserole feel.
- Spicy Supreme: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and hot sauce.
- Breakfast Style: Swap the protein for scrambled eggs and top with salsa.
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice and cheese crisps instead of chips.
Final Thoughts
The Mexican White Trash Casserole might have a playful name, but it’s seriously satisfying comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent in the best way — full of flavor, crunch, and cheesy goodness. Even better? It’s fast, customizable, and perfect for feeding hungry friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen.
So the next time you need a dish that’s as bold and fun as it is delicious, give this casserole a try. Your tastebuds (and your dinner guests) will thank you.