If you’re craving a cheesy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with simple ingredients, this Easy Mexican White Trash Casserole is your new go-to. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, beans, and crispy tortilla chips, it’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. The mix of cheeses and spices brings the flavors of a classic Tex-Mex feast right to your table. What makes this casserole so great is how easy it is to customize and how comforting it feels with every bite. The crunchy tortilla chips layered with gooey melted cheese and savory beef make it downright irresistible. Plus, using chicken ham and turkey bacon keeps the recipe lightened up a bit without sacrificing any of that smoky, meaty flavor. Let’s start by gathering your ingredients and browning the beef—the base for this delicious casserole.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 package (about 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked chicken ham, diced
• 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup diced green chilies (mild or hot, your choice)
• 1 bag (about 10 oz) tortilla chips, crushed
• ½ cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños

These ingredients come together to create layers of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness balanced by the crunch of tortilla chips and the warmth of spices. STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts beautifully. STEP 2: BROWN THE GROUND BEEF In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.

  STEP 3: SEASON AND SOFTEN THE ONIONS Add the diced onions, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the onions are softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base for the casserole. MIX THE CHEESE, LAYER THE CASSEROLE, AND BAKE TO PERFECTION Now that your beef is perfectly seasoned and the onions are softened, it’s time to mix all those creamy, cheesy ingredients together and start layering your casserole. This step is where the magic happens—bringing together the bold flavors, creamy textures, and crunchy tortilla chips for a truly satisfying dinner. Let’s dive into the next steps. STEP 4: MAKE THE CREAMY CHEESE MIXTURE In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add richness and help bind all the ingredients together.

  STEP 5: STIR IN THE BEEF AND OTHER INGREDIENTS Add the cooked ground beef mixture, black beans, diced chicken ham, turkey bacon, green chilies, and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the bowl with the cream cheese and sour cream. Mix everything well so the flavors and textures are evenly distributed. STEP 6: LAYER THE TORTILLA CHIPS Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly. Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the dish. These chips create a crunchy base that soaks up all the cheesy, savory goodness. STEP 7: ADD THE BEEF AND CHEESE MIXTURE Pour the beef and cheese mixture evenly over the chips, spreading it out with a spatula for an even layer. STEP 8: TOP WITH THE REMAINING CHIPS AND CHEESE Sprinkle the remaining crushed tortilla chips over the top, then cover with the rest of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This top layer will melt and crisp up, giving you that perfect golden finish.

  STEP 9: BAKE UNTIL BUBBLY AND GOLDEN Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. STEP 10: COOL AND GARNISH Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. If you like a little heat and freshness, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños as a garnish. TIPS FOR THE BEST MEXICAN WHITE TRASH CASSEROLE

• Use mild or hot green chilies based on your heat preference.
• Crushing the tortilla chips gives a great texture but you can also use whole chips layered for crunch.
• Feel free to swap chicken ham and turkey bacon for other cooked meats you prefer.
• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set and slice neatly.

 

FAQS & FINAL THOUGHTS ON EASY MEXICAN WHITE TRASH CASSEROLE RECIPE FOR CHEESY DINNER

Your Mexican White Trash Casserole is baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection—a hearty, comforting meal packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Before you serve it up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions and share final tips to make this dish a family favorite every time. 1. CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE GROUND BEEF WITH GROUND TURKEY OR CHICKEN? Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter option. Just cook and season as directed. 2. CAN I MAKE THIS CASSEROLE AHEAD OF TIME? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold. 3. HOW SHOULD I STORE LEFTOVERS? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. 4. CAN I FREEZE THIS CASSEROLE? Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. 5. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS CASSEROLE? Serve with a simple green salad, guacamole, sour cream, or salsa to balance the richness. 6. HOW SPICY IS THIS RECIPE? The heat depends on the green chilies you choose. Use mild chilies for a gentle flavor or hot chilies if you like a kick. 7. CAN I ADD OTHER VEGETABLES? Certainly! Diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños make great additions.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS CHEESY MEXICAN CASSEROLE IS A MUST-MAKE

This Easy Mexican White Trash Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. Its layers of cheesy, meaty, and crunchy goodness make it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual dinners. Plus, the flexibility to swap ingredients means it can suit any family’s tastes. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out and what tweaks you made. Share your experience in the comments! Need more easy, flavorful dinner ideas? I’m here to help you bring tasty, satisfying meals to your table with ease. Print