Here is your complete recipe profile for Mexican White Trash Casserole, including all requested sections and with the wide line removed:
Introduction
Mexican White Trash Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed comfort food dish that’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and family-approved. Blending the bold spices of Tex-Mex cuisine with pantry staples like cream soups, shredded cheese, and crushed chips, this indulgent bake is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for potlucks, busy weeknights, or feeding a hungry family with minimal fuss.
Origin and Cultural Significance
The term “white trash casserole” is a colloquialism that gained traction in the American South and Midwest, where humble, hearty casseroles made from canned goods and leftovers are a cherished staple. While the name is tongue-in-cheek and rooted in working-class humor, these casseroles reflect resourceful home cooking. The “Mexican” twist adds Tex-Mex flavors — like taco seasoning, chilies, and cheese — to the mix, representing the cultural blending so common in American kitchens.
Ingredients Quantity
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups crushed tortilla chips or nacho cheese-flavored chips
- ½ cup chopped onion (optional)
- ½ cup canned corn or black beans (optional)
Optional Additions
- Diced jalapeños for heat
- Chopped cilantro for freshness
- Green onions for garnish
- Sliced black olives
- A dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder
- Swap meat for shredded rotisserie chicken
Tips for Success
- Brown meat thoroughly and drain to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Layer chips last minute if you prefer them crunchy, or mix them in for a softer, homestyle texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Don’t overbake — bake just until bubbly and golden to avoid drying out.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it firms up and slices better.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion (if using) and cook until translucent. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and Rotel (undrained). Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the crushed chips, then half the meat mixture, half the soup mixture, and half of each cheese.
- Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Cool slightly, garnish with optional toppings, and serve warm.
Description
This casserole is rich, creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. The seasoned meat and spicy tomato-chili blend pair perfectly with the creamy soup base, while layers of melted cheese and chips add texture and indulgence. It’s gooey in the best way — deeply satisfying, nostalgic, and undeniably craveable.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, approx. 8 servings)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
Note: Varies with specific brands and substitutions.
Conclusion
Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining convenience and bold flavors in one hearty dish. Whether you’re feeding a large family or taking something crowd-pleasing to a gathering, this casserole checks all the boxes: cheesy, meaty, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Recommendation
Serve with:
- A crisp green salad or steamed veggies
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Hot sauce or salsa on the side
Ideal for:
- Potlucks, game nights, or weeknight dinners
- Freezer meals — assemble ahead and freeze before baking
- Repurposing leftovers into taco fillings or burrito wraps
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
To lighten it up:
- Use low-sodium soups or homemade alternatives
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt
- Choose lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles
- Add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach
- Reduce cheese slightly and choose reduced-fat options
With thoughtful tweaks, you can enjoy all the nostalgic comfort of this dish while still feeling good about what’s on your plate.
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