Easy and Quick Mexican White Trash Casserole

Introduction

If you love easy, hearty, and cheesy casseroles that bring big flavor without a lot of fuss, then this Mexican White Trash Casserole is for you. Loaded with layers of crushed Nacho Doritos, juicy shredded chicken or beef, creamy soup, zesty Rotel tomatoes, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. This fun and quirky casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to taste amazing.

My recipe story

My love for Mexican-inspired casseroles started when I was in college. With limited time and budget, I wanted meals that were filling, flavorful, and easy to make in big batches. That’s when I came across a variation of this casserole at a potluck hosted by a neighbor. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked—the crunchy chips, cheesy layers, and bold Tex-Mex flavors made it unforgettable. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it simpler and more delicious, and now it’s one of my most requested dishes for family gatherings. Every time I make it, it reminds me of the joy of sharing food that’s both comforting and playful.

Ingredient breakdown

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple by using just a handful of pantry staples and convenience items. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a balance of textures and flavors that make this casserole irresistible.

Nacho Doritos: The base and topping of the casserole, Doritos bring a crunchy texture and a cheesy, tangy flavor that sets this dish apart from traditional casseroles. Crushing them lightly helps create both a firm base and a crisp topping.

Shredded chicken or ground beef: Either protein works beautifully. Shredded chicken gives the dish a tender, juicy texture, while ground beef adds a hearty, savory element. This flexibility makes the recipe easy to adapt based on what you have on hand.

Shredded cheese: A key to any casserole, cheese binds the layers together and adds gooey richness. A Mexican blend or cheddar works best, but you can experiment with pepper jack for extra spice.

Cream of chicken soup: This creamy soup acts as the glue, creating a luscious base that holds everything together. It also adds depth and a comforting flavor that balances the spice from the Doritos and Rotel.

Rotel tomatoes: With diced tomatoes and green chilies, Rotel gives the casserole its signature Tex-Mex flavor. The juice helps keep the casserole moist, while the chilies add just the right amount of kick.

Equipment you’ll need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare the base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Crush the Doritos in the bag or in a large bowl, leaving some chunks for texture. Spread about half of the crushed Doritos evenly in the bottom of the dish to form the base layer.
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken or ground beef, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes (with their juice), and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated in the creamy base. This mixture will be thick and hearty.
3. Layer the casserole: Pour the filling mixture over the Doritos base in the baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Sprinkle the remaining Doritos over the top, followed by the rest of the shredded cheese to create a golden, bubbly crust.
4. Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned at the edges. If you like an extra-crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end while keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to scoop out generous portions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Variations & substitutions

This casserole is incredibly flexible, making it easy to adapt to your tastes and pantry. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Use ground turkey instead of beef or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers to boost the nutrition and stretch the recipe further.
• Try Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos for a twist on the flavor.
• Top with sliced jalapeños or green onions after baking for added freshness and spice.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Doritos may soften slightly but the flavors stay delicious.

Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Make-ahead: Prepare the filling mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, layer it with fresh Doritos and cheese for the best texture.

Serving ideas & pairings

This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance the richness. Try serving it with:

• A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Fresh guacamole and salsa on the side
• A cold Mexican beer or refreshing agua fresca

FAQ

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you time in the kitchen.

What cheese is best for this recipe?
A Mexican cheese blend or cheddar melts beautifully, but pepper jack adds a spicy kick.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the meat and add beans, corn, and extra veggies for a hearty vegetarian version.

Will the Doritos stay crunchy?
The bottom layer softens slightly, creating a delicious base, while the top layer stays crisp and cheesy after baking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use two 9×13-inch pans if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Bake them side by side and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Final thoughts

Mexican White Trash Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—bold, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flair. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight, a family potluck, or just because you crave something indulgent, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a casserole that’s both fun and unforgettable. So grab that bag of Doritos and get ready to bake a crowd-pleasing favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Mexican White Trash Casserole

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful Tex-Mex style casserole made with Doritos, chicken or beef, Rotel, and gooey melted cheese. Comfort food perfection!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed
• 2 cups shredded chicken or cooked ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese (plus more if desired)
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 
2. Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly over the bottom of the dish. 
3. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken or beef, cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, and 1 ½ cups of cheese until combined. 
4. Spread the mixture over the Doritos base and smooth it out evenly. 
5. Top with the remaining Doritos and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. 
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted cheese. 
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

For added flavor, mix in black beans, corn, or jalapeños. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex