Mexican White Trash Casserole

Cheesy, Creamy, and Loaded with Tex-Mex Flavor!

A down-home comfort dish that’s bold, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent. This Mexican White Trash Casserole is packed with tender chicken, melty cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla chips — baked into one bubbling, golden masterpiece. It’s the kind of meal your family will request again and again!

🍽 Recipe Card

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Dietary Tags: Tex-Mex | Comfort Food | Family Favorite | One-Pan Meal

✅ Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or pepper jack for spice)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp taco seasoning (optional, for more flavor)
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (or Doritos for a fun twist)
• Salt & pepper to taste

🔢 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine chicken, Rotel, both soups, sour cream, onion, spices, and half of each cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
3. Layer the Casserole:
   Spread half the crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of the dish.
   Pour the chicken mixture over the chips and spread evenly.
   Top with the remaining chips and cheese.
4. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
   Let rest for 5 minutes, then scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy layers!

💡 Quick Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
• Add drained black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Want it spicier? Use hot Rotel or add a few jalapeño slices.
• For extra crunch, reserve a handful of chips to sprinkle right before serving.

🌮 Introduction

This casserole isn’t fancy — it’s comfort food at its best.
Born from simple pantry ingredients and Tex-Mex love, this Mexican White Trash Casserole combines the rich creaminess of chicken casseroles with the zesty kick of tacos.

It’s the kind of dish that shows up at potlucks, weeknight dinners, or family gatherings — and never comes home with leftovers.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Stir together soups, sour cream, and seasonings to create that velvety sauce that binds everything together.

Tip: Taste before layering — you can adjust spice or salt easily here.

Step 2: Layer Like a Pro

Crushed tortilla chips form the “crust” that gets delightfully toasty underneath the creamy filling. Alternate layers of chips, chicken mix, and cheese for maximum texture.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly

You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden and the center is hot and melty.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

• Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken works best. For a twist, try ground beef or turkey.
• Soups: Use condensed soups — they add richness. You can substitute both with 2 cups of homemade cream sauce if preferred.
• Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives balance. Pepper Jack adds a kick!
• Tortilla Chips: Corn chips, Doritos, or even crushed taco shells all work.

Dietary Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and soups.
• Low-Carb: Replace chips with thin layers of sautéed zucchini or cauliflower rice.

🌯 Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Flavor Variations:

• Beef Version: Swap chicken for taco-seasoned ground beef.
• Fiesta Veggie: Add sautéed bell peppers, corn, and beans for a vegetarian twist.
• Creamy Ranch: Mix in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning for a flavor bomb.

Serving Ideas:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole.
• Pair with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
• Serve with chips and salsa for the ultimate Tex-Mex meal!

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerate: Keeps well for 3–4 days covered in the fridge.
• Freeze: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven.
• Reheat: 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings.

Make-Ahead Tip:
Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

🧮 Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 480 kcal | Protein: 29g | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 710mg

Dietary Highlights: High-Protein | Comfort Food | Family Friendly
Allergens: Contains dairy and gluten.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Q: Can I use Doritos instead of tortilla chips?
A: Absolutely — nacho cheese Doritos add an amazing flavor twist.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just wrap tightly and reheat when ready.

Q: My casserole turned out soggy — what happened?
A: Make sure your chips aren’t too crushed, and don’t overdo the liquid. Bake uncovered for crispness.

❤️ Story Behind the Recipe

This is one of those “everything but the kitchen sink” recipes that came together on a busy night — a handful of pantry staples, a little Tex-Mex flair, and suddenly, dinner was unforgettable.

Over time, it became a family classic — cheesy, creamy, and just the right amount of messy. It’s not about perfection; it’s about flavor, comfort, and feeding everyone with love (and laughter).

💬 Reader Interaction

Tried this Mexican White Trash Casserole?
Share your version with #CheesyComfortCasseroles — Did you use Doritos? Add beans? Make it spicier?
I’d love to see your take on this ultimate Southern-Tex-Mex comfort dish! ❤️