Mexican White Trash Casserole

Introduction

If you love comfort food with a little kick, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Mexican White Trash Casserole. With layers of seasoned chicken or beef, gooey melted cheese, tangy sour cream, and a crunchy topping of crushed Doritos, this recipe is both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels playful and nostalgic, perfect for bringing families together around the dinner table. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and customize with whatever you have on hand, making it a go-to recipe for busy households.

My recipe story

This casserole came into my kitchen on one of those evenings when I wanted something hearty but didn’t feel like spending hours cooking. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a half-bag of Doritos, and some shredded cheese sitting in the fridge. With a little creativity, those simple ingredients transformed into one of the most crowd-pleasing meals I’ve ever served. Over time, I refined the recipe, adding layers of sour cream, salsa, and more cheese until it became the flavorful, fun, and filling dish I’m sharing today. Now, it’s a family favorite for game nights and gatherings with friends.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. You’ll need a bag of Nacho Doritos, which serve as the crunchy base and topping. Their bold flavor infuses the entire dish with a tangy, cheesy kick. Next, shredded chicken or ground beef forms the protein-packed layer that makes this dish hearty enough for dinner. For a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works wonders.

Cheese plays a starring role here, adding that gooey, comforting texture. Cheddar or a Mexican blend works best, but feel free to get creative with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra spice. Sour cream and cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup help bind everything together into a rich, creamy filling. Salsa or Rotel tomatoes bring freshness and spice, while optional add-ins like black beans, corn, or jalapeños can make the casserole more filling and colorful.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (for baking and covering)

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with nonstick spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Meanwhile, crush your Doritos into medium-sized pieces by placing them in a sealed bag and gently pressing with your hands or a rolling pin. You want a mix of small crumbs and larger chunks for the best texture.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken (or cooked ground beef), sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salsa or Rotel tomatoes, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. The mixture should be creamy and flavorful, with the salsa adding a burst of freshness and spice.

Step 3: Spread a layer of crushed Doritos on the bottom of your casserole dish. This will serve as the crunchy base that soaks up some of the creamy filling. Next, spoon the chicken mixture over the Doritos, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Top this with another generous handful of crushed Doritos for added crunch.

Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly across the top. For extra cheesiness, you can add more than the recipe calls for—it’s impossible to go wrong with more melted cheese in a casserole! Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from overbrowning while it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 5–10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely and turn golden. Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and is easier to slice.

Variations & substitutions

This casserole is highly adaptable. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and replace it with black beans, pinto beans, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños, green chilies, or hot salsa. If you’d like a creamier texture, mix in a block of cream cheese with the chicken mixture. You can also switch out the Doritos for regular tortilla chips if that’s what you have on hand.

Another fun variation is to use ground turkey or pulled pork instead of chicken or beef. For a lighter version, try baked tortilla chips and low-fat cheese. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a winner in any kitchen.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the whole casserole in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

To freeze, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also prepare the chicken mixture up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then assemble and bake when needed for a quick meal.

Serving ideas & pairings

This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main course on its own, but pairing it with fresh sides can really balance out the richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette or a side of Mexican street corn (elote) pairs beautifully. You can also serve it with guacamole, salsa, and fresh pico de gallo for dipping.

For drinks, margaritas or a cold Mexican beer are natural companions. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, iced tea with lime or agua fresca makes a refreshing pairing. And don’t forget to add a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on top of each serving for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use different chips instead of Doritos?
Absolutely. Tortilla chips or even plain corn chips can work, though Doritos add extra flavor.

How do I make this casserole less spicy?
Use mild salsa or Rotel, and skip any jalapeños or hot spices. You can also use plain tortilla chips instead of Doritos for a milder taste.

What cheese works best for this recipe?
A Mexican blend is ideal, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all delicious choices.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, once baked and cooled, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Final thoughts

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something memorable and delicious. It’s a little indulgent, a lot of fun, and guaranteed to please anyone who loves bold, cheesy comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on its irresistible combination of crunchy Doritos, creamy filling, and melted cheese bliss.

Mexican White Trash Casserole

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

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Description

A cheesy, crunchy Tex-Mex inspired casserole layered with Doritos, seasoned chicken or beef, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknights or potlucks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

•  1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed
•  2 cups shredded chicken or cooked ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup salsa or Rotel tomatoes
• 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 2 tablespoons jalapeños, diced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken or beef, sour cream, soup, salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir until well blended.

3. Spread half of the crushed Doritos on the bottom of the dish, then layer with the meat mixture.

4. Top with remaining Doritos and sprinkle evenly with the rest of the shredded cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden.

6. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
   

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven. Add a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, or fresh pico de gallo for serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex