Let’s be real—some days call for a meal that can satisfy without asking too much of you. Enter the Mexican White Trash Casserole! This delightfully messy, cheesy creation is your new best friend in the kitchen, especially on those hectic evenings when the clock ticks louder than your kids. It’s comfort food meets convenience, and best of all? It’s pretty darn delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican White Trash Casserole
Picture this: You’ve had a long day at work, the kids are grumbling about what’s for dinner, and ordering takeout feels more like a cop-out than a solution. Enter this casserole—a hearty, cheesy dish packed with flavor that feels indulgent but is just as easy on the prep time as it is on your budget. Plus, it’s a surefire way to make your home smell inviting (bonus points for that)!
But let’s finish that story… This dish became my lifesaver once I realized my little ones could devour half a pan in one sitting! So why not dish up something that makes everyone happy?
Ingredients
For this casserole, you’ll need the following simple ingredients that you probably have on hand (or could grab on your next grocery run):
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (10 oz) tortilla chips
Steps to Casserole Heaven
- Preheat the Oven: Set that oven to 350°F (175°C). Let’s get it warmed up!
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef. Make sure to drain any excess fat because nobody wants a greasy casserole (yuck!).
- Mix in the Goodies: Stir in those diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Mix it all together until it’s heated through—your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
- Creamy Delight: Now, add the cream cheese. Don’t panic if it looks a little lumpy at first. Just keep stirring until everything is melted and creamy. That’s where the magic happens!
- Build the Layers: Grab your baking dish and layer the tortilla chips on the bottom. Pour that glorious beef mixture over the top, and pat yourself on the back—this is looking good.
- Cheesy Goodness: Top it off with that shredded cheddar cheese. Because, honestly, can you ever have too much cheese? (The answer is no.)
- Bake Away: Pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This is your time to relax (or dance around the kitchen while you wait).
- Serve and Enjoy!: Once it’s baked, give it a moment to cool (if you can stand to wait!) and then serve it warm. Enjoy the little cheers from the family as they devour this deliciousness!
Cooking Tips
- Swap It Up: Want to spice things up? You can sub the ground beef for ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken if time is of the essence.
- Crispy Chips: If you prefer those chips to stay a bit crunchy, add them last. Just scatter a handful on plates and top each serving with the beef mixture. Less sogginess, more crunch!
- Lumpy Is Okay: Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy—it’s all part of the charm! Those lumps are just the cream cheese getting all cozy with the other ingredients.
FAQs
Can I substitute any ingredients in this Mexican White Trash Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to use items like quinoa or brown rice instead of beef, or even add extra veggies if you can sneak them by those picky eaters.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. This casserole also freezes well, so if you want to make it ahead of time, freeze it before baking for an easy meal later!
So, there you have it! Your new go-to Mexican White Trash Casserole is ready to make its debut in your kitchen—no fuss, no frills, just a big bowl of comfort. I can assure you, your family will be singing your praises like you’ve just invented the wheel. Happy cooking!
