Mexican White Trash Casserole

### Instructions for Making Mexican White Trash Casserole

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

#### Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat
1. **Sauté the Meat**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat of your choice (beef, chicken, turkey, or pork) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
2. **Season the Meat**: Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat, and stir in the taco seasoning. Follow the instructions on the packet, usually adding a bit of water to help the seasoning blend evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

#### Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
1. **Combine Soup and Sour Cream**: In a separate bowl, mix the **cream of chicken soup** with **sour cream**. This will create the creamy, cheesy base of your casserole.
2. **Add Chilies**: If you’re using **diced green chilies**, stir them into the soup mixture for a little extra flavor and heat.
3. **Add Cheese**: Stir in **mozzarella** and **cheddar cheese** (reserve a little of each cheese for sprinkling on top later).

#### Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
1. **Layer the Ingredients**: Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, pour the creamy soup and cheese mixture over the meat, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
2. **Top with Chips**: Sprinkle a generous layer of **crushed tortilla chips** on top of the casserole. This adds a satisfying crunch to contrast the creamy filling.

#### Step 5: Bake the Casserole
1. **Bake**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **20–25 minutes** or until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. **Add Extra Cheese**: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return the casserole to the oven. Let the cheese melt and become gooey and golden.

#### Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For extra flavor and a pop of freshness, top your casserole with some **chopped cilantro**, **sliced jalapeños**, and a dollop of **sour cream**, **guacamole**, or **salsa**.

### Tips for the Best Mexican White Trash Casserole

– **Customize the Spice Level**: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding **jalapeños**, **hot sauce**, or **chili powder**. For a milder version, skip the chilies or use just a small amount of taco seasoning.
– **Swap the Meat**: Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can use beans (black beans or pinto beans) or even roasted vegetables.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: For added nutrition and flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn to the meat mixture before layering it in the casserole.
– **Top with Cheese**: For a cheesier casserole, feel free to add more cheese on top or throughout the layers. The extra cheese will melt beautifully and add even more richness.

### Why You’ll Love Mexican White Trash Casserole

**Mexican White Trash Casserole** is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures with the bold flavors of Mexican spices. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to potlucks and family gatherings. Plus, with its simple ingredients and quick prep time, it’s an easy dish to make even on the busiest days.

The layers of seasoned meat, creamy soup, and melted cheese offer comfort and warmth, while the crunchy tortilla chips provide the perfect contrast to the rich filling. The optional toppings let you customize each serving, making it even more fun to enjoy.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for a comforting dish to enjoy at home, **Mexican White Trash Casserole** is sure to be a hit!

### Conclusion

**Mexican White Trash Casserole** is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. With its creamy filling, hearty meat, and crunchy topping, this casserole checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Serve it for dinner, a party, or any casual occasion, and watch as it disappears in no time!