Mexican White Trash Casserole

If you’re looking for a fun, flavor-packed dinner that’s effortless and totally irresistible, this Cheesy Taco Casserole Bake is it. With layers of seasoned meat, gooey cheese, creamy beans, and crunchy chips, it’s the kind of dish that turns a regular night into something special—without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 6 to 8

• 1 bag (9–10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
• 1 cup of your favorite salsa
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeños or hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cook the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Add taco seasoning and salsa, stir well, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Layer the Goodness
Spread half the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of your baking dish.
Evenly spread the refried beans over the chips.
Spoon half of the meat mixture over the beans and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
Repeat with the remaining chips, meat, and cheese.

4. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

5. Garnish and Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes, then top with your favorite garnishes. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!

Why This Recipe Works

• Effortless Layers: Just a few simple layers create maximum flavor with minimal prep.
• Bold & Zesty: Salsa and taco seasoning give the dish a bright, tangy kick.
• Cheesy Goodness: Every bite is filled with that perfect melt-in-your-mouth cheese pull.
• Perfect Crunch: Crushed tortilla chips add a crispy contrast to the creamy beans and beef.

Flavorful Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace meat with black beans, lentils, or sautéed veggies.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy salsa for extra heat.
• Breakfast Style: Add scrambled eggs on top after baking for a Tex-Mex morning casserole.
• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning.

Tips for the Best Taco Casserole

• Don’t crush chips too finely—you want that satisfying crunch!
• Shred your own cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
• Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it with a fresh salad and lime wedges on the side.
• Make it party-ready with extra bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guac.
• Pair with iced tea, soda, or a chilled cerveza for a laid-back meal.

Final Thoughts

This taco-inspired casserole is everything you love about a Tex-Mex dinner wrapped into one gooey, satisfying bake. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just craving a cheesy comfort food fix, this casserole brings the fun and flavor—fast.