Mexican With Trash Casserole

If you’re looking for a bold, comforting, and downright addictive dinner idea, this Mexican With Trash Casserole is your next go-to. Packed with layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, tortilla chips, and all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors, it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast — no matter who’s at the table. The name might be playful, but the taste is seriously satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or craving something cheesy and crave-worthy, this dish hits all the marks. Plus, it’s super customizable and easy to throw together with pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavor: Loaded with Mexican spices, melted cheese, and crunchy chips.
• Cheesy comfort: Every bite is a creamy, savory delight.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist it.
• Easy & quick: Made with everyday ingredients in under an hour.

Ingredients

Here’s a basic ingredient list for Mexican With Trash Casserole. If you want to adjust anything (like adding beans, different cheeses, or hot sauce), just let me know.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips or Doritos
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make your Mexican With Trash Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, Rotel, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the crushed tortilla chips evenly on the bottom.
5. Layer half the beef mixture on top, followed by half the shredded cheese.
6. Repeat layers: chips, beef, and remaining cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Then top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro if desired.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Tips

This Mexican With Trash Casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melted and the chips are still a little crispy. Top it with sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. It pairs well with a simple green salad, guacamole, or Mexican rice to round out the meal. For gatherings, serve it straight from the dish with a big spoon — it’s a crowd-pleasing, scoop-and-serve kind of dish.

Storage Tips

Leftover Mexican With Trash Casserole stores well and makes a great next-day meal. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Note: the chips will soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Timing Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Optional Variations

Here are a few fun ways to change up your Mexican With Trash Casserole while keeping the bold flavor:

Protein swap: Use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.
Cheese options: Try sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Spicy twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and double the beans or add sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
Crunch factor: Use spicy Doritos, Cool Ranch, or Fritos in place of plain tortilla chips for a fun flavor boost.

Related Recipes

Here are 3 recipes that pair well or appeal to the same audience:

• Taco Lasagna
• Cheesy Dorito Chicken Bake
• Beef Enchilada Casserole

Conclusion

This Mexican With Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal that brings together bold Mexican flavors, cheesy goodness, and satisfying crunch in every bite. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble it a few hours before baking. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

Q: Can I freeze Mexican With Trash Casserole?
A: Absolutely. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: What can I substitute for the ground beef?
A: Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or a plant-based protein for different options.

Q: How spicy is this casserole?
A: It’s moderately spicy but can be adjusted by choosing mild or hot salsa and adding or skipping jalapeños.

Q: Can I use gluten-free tortilla chips?
A: Yes, just make sure your chips and taco seasoning are certified gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

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