Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Mexican White Trash Casserole! It’s one of those dishes that just wraps you in a warm blanket of comfort with every bite. I mean, who doesn’t love a hearty casserole that’s packed with bold Mexican flavors? It’s like a fiesta in a dish! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re just craving something cozy, this casserole combines ground beef, beans, cheese, and all those delicious toppings that make you feel right at home. Seriously, it’s so easy to whip up and will have your family begging for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation forever!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef (browned)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can corn (drained)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (your favorite brand)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 1 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
- 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, depending on your taste)
How to Prepare Mexican White Trash Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this Mexican White Trash Casserole! It’s super straightforward and so rewarding. You’ll have a dish that’s bubbling with flavor and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step-by-step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect, cheesy top.
- While the oven warms up, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure it’s cooked through and crumbly—this is where the flavor starts!
- Once the beef is ready, stir in the taco seasoning. Oh, that aroma is going to be amazing! Next, add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice. Give it a good stir to combine all those vibrant flavors.
- Now, it’s time to mix in the sour cream and salsa. This will add a creamy texture and a kick of flavor—yum!
- Carefully transfer this colorful mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Finally, top it off with shredded cheddar cheese. You want a nice, thick layer of cheese for that melty goodness!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
And just like that, you’re ready to enjoy a hearty meal that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder—easy cleanup means more time to relax!
- Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Loaded with bold Mexican flavors that everyone will love.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or sides for variety.
- Satisfying and hearty, it’ll fill you up and keep you warm.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!
Tips for Success with Mexican White Trash Casserole
To make your Mexican White Trash Casserole even more amazing, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option—it works like a charm! Also, if you’re looking to sneak in some extra veggies, diced bell peppers or zucchini can add a lovely crunch. And remember, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking before serving; this helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop. Finally, feel free to mix up your cheese choices—pepper jack adds a nice kick!
Variations of Mexican White Trash Casserole
One of the best things about Mexican White Trash Casserole is how easily it adapts to your taste! If you’re in the mood for a change, consider using shredded rotisserie chicken or even blackened shrimp instead of ground beef—both add a delightful twist! You can also throw in some diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped spinach for extra veggies and nutrients. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or even crumbled queso fresco for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Mexican White Trash Casserole: you’ll get about 450 calories packed with 25g of protein, 25g of fat, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also contains 3g of sugar and 800mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. It’s a hearty, filling meal that balances comfort with nutrition, making it a great choice for any night of the week!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of beans like pinto or kidney beans, and add in some extra veggies for a hearty, meatless meal. Trust me, it’s just as delicious!
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonderfully. It’ll give you that creamy texture with a bit of tang. Just make sure it’s plain!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave till warmed through.
Can I freeze Mexican White Trash Casserole?
Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat!
What toppings do you recommend?
Oh, there are so many! Chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro are my favorites. You can also drizzle some extra salsa or guacamole on top for a flavor boost!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Mexican White Trash Casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick meals later on! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’ve frozen it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Trust me, it’ll still taste amazing!
Print
Mexican White Trash Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers of Yum
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty casserole combining Mexican flavors with a comforting twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice.
- Mix in the sour cream and salsa until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Customize with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mexican White Trash Casserole, casserole recipes, comfort food
