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Mexican White Trash Casserole

A comforting and nutritious casserole that combines flavors of beef, creamy soups, and crunchy tortilla chips, making it perfect for busy families.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef Consider using lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup You can substitute with cream of celery soup for a lighter flavor.
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup If you’re avoiding dairy, a vegan cream soup can be used.
  • 1 cup sour cream Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese.
  • 1 packet taco seasoning Homemade taco seasoning is a great way to control sodium levels.
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies You can opt for plain diced tomatoes if you prefer mild.
  • 2 cups tortilla chips Consider using baked chips for a lighter dish.
Optional Toppings
  • sliced olives
  • green onions
  • jalapeños Enhances the dish’s appeal and offers customizability.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked beef with cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Ensure everything is blended well for even flavor distribution.
  4. Grease a baking dish. Begin with half of the tortilla chips at the bottom, layer half of the beef mixture on top, and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat this process to create another layer, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
Baking
  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling golden brown.
Serving
  1. Once out of the oven, serve hot! Encourage your family to add their favorite toppings to enhance the flavor even further.

Notes

To avoid common mistakes, do not overcrowd, drain excess fat, and always preheat the oven. You can make the casserole ahead of time, incorporate veggies, and let it sit for a few minutes after baking to perfect the texture. Store leftovers for 3-4 days, and freeze for longer storage.