Mexican White Trash Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Spice Level: Medium

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that combines layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy kick—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd!

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Ingredients

Main Layers

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
• 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on preference)
• 1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips (slightly crushed)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)

Optional Toppings

• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Jalapeños, sliced (for extra heat)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Brown the Meat

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

1. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread refried beans evenly on the bottom.
2. Spoon the cooked beef mixture over the beans.
3. Pour salsa over the beef and spread evenly.
4. Add a layer of crushed tortilla chips, pressing lightly.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.

Step 3: Bake & Serve

1. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories	Total Fat	Carbs	Protein
520 kcal	28g	38g	28g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Tips & Variations

✅ Make it Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or hot salsa.
✅ Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for black beans or plant-based crumbles.
✅ Extra Cheesy: Mix in cream cheese with the refried beans.
✅ Crispy Topping: Add an extra layer of chips on top before baking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes!
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
✔ Customizable – Adjust spice levels and toppings to taste.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – Great for parties, game days, or family dinners.

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Final Thoughts

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, crunchy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or spice lovers, this dish is sure to satisfy!