Description
Hearty Mexican White Trash Casserole delivers bold southwestern flavors in one comforting dish. Layers of ground beef, cheese, and zesty spices create a simple, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded monterey jack cheese
- 6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsps homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (10 oz / 280 g) can rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (10.5 oz / 300 g) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz / 300 g) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350F (175C), setting the stage for a culinary adventure.
- Meat Transformation: In a skillet, brown the ground beef thoroughly, draining excess fat, then enliven with taco seasoning and a water splash, simmering for 2-3 minutes to intensify flavors.
- Cream Fusion: Whisk Rotel tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream into a harmonious, velvety sauce that will bind the casserole’s components.
- Layering Foundation: Spread a thin cream mixture base in the baking dish, arranging tortilla quarters to create a sturdy architectural base for the upcoming flavor layers.
- Strategic Layering: Construct alternating strata by distributing seasoned ground beef, cream mixture, and a generous cascade of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, repeating to build depth and complexity.
- Baking Ritual: Cover with aluminum foil, bake for 20 minutes, then unveil to allow the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece of molten deliciousness.
- Finishing Touch: Let the casserole rest briefly, then garnish with optional embellishments like green onions, cilantro, avocado, or a refreshing sour cream dollop to elevate the sensory experience.
Notes
- Meat Precision: Brown ground beef thoroughly to enhance flavor and prevent excess grease, using a lean cut for healthier results.
- Seasoning Mastery: Mix taco seasoning completely with meat, allowing 2-3 minutes of simmering to develop deep, authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Cheese Distribution: Layer cheeses evenly for consistent melting and maximum flavor coverage across the entire casserole.
- Temperature Control: Cover with foil initially to prevent cheese burning, then uncover to achieve perfect golden-brown melted cheese texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg