Mexican White Trash Casserole: A Cheesy, Crunchy Crowd-Pleaser 🌮🧀

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Introduction

When you’re craving a bold, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and effortless to make, Mexican White Trash Casserole is your answer! It’s a fun, no-fuss recipe that layers crushed Doritos, savory chicken (or beef), creamy sauce, and melty cheese into a dish that’s always a hit at family dinners, potlucks, or game days. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and totally irresistible — perfect for when you need some delicious, down-home comfort food.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

  • 1 bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed (about 10 oz)
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken or cooked ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ packet taco seasoning (about 1 tablespoon, adjust to taste)
  • Optional: Sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, green onions for garnish

Tips for Success

  1. Doritos Texture: Slightly crush the Doritos — you want pieces, not crumbs!
  2. Protein Swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for extra ease or ground beef for a heartier version.
  3. Customize the Heat: Use Hot Rotel or add chopped jalapeños if you like it spicy.
  4. Layer It Right: Spread evenly so every bite gets a bit of chicken, cheese, and chips.
  5. Make Ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  6. Extra Creamy: Add an extra ¼ cup sour cream if you love it ultra-creamy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, Rotel, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning until well combined.
  3. Fold in the shredded chicken (or beef) and 1½ cups shredded cheese.
  4. Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
  5. Pour and spread the chicken mixture over the Doritos.
  6. Top with the remaining crushed Doritos and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  7. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let sit 5 minutes before serving to set slightly.
  10. Garnish with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or green onions if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Estimate, based on chicken version and standard portions)

  • Calories: 412
  • Total Fat: 23g (29% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 9g (45% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 79mg (26% DV)
  • Sodium: 911mg (40% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g (10% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Vitamin D: 0.5mcg (4% DV)
  • Calcium: 215mg (16% DV)
  • Iron: 2mg (11% DV)
  • Potassium: 382mg (8% DV)

Note: Using low-sodium soup and low-fat cheese can lighten the dish if desired.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

You can enjoy this guilty pleasure in a slightly lighter way without sacrificing flavor:

  1. Lean Protein: Choose skinless chicken breast or 93% lean ground beef.
  2. Lighter Dairy: Use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
  3. Low-Sodium Options: Pick low-sodium cream soup and seasoning.
  4. Veggie Boost: Stir in a cup of black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers.
  5. Whole-Grain Chips: Use whole-grain tortilla chips instead of Doritos if you prefer.

Even with a few swaps, the casserole keeps all the creamy, cheesy goodness you love — just with a little extra balance.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake leftovers at 350°F until heated through.
  • Tip: Add a splash of milk or extra cheese before reheating to freshen up the texture!

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