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White Trash Mexican Recipe
This Layered White Trash Mexican dish is something I make often for my family, and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving! It’s a tasty and healthy way to enjoy refried beans. I also like to add some sour cream for extra flavor.

With all the work pressure and juggling blogging, life, travel, holidays, home renovations, and planning a week-long road trip, I decided to make this White Trash Mexican dish. It’s packed with everything you love beef, refried beans, and lots of cheddar—baked into a delicious, comforting casserole!

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the refried beans ahead and store them in the fridge. Save adding the toppings until just before cooking, and add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to do you make White Trash Mexican
Step One : Prepare the Ground Beef
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is well coated and the sauce thickens.
Step Two: Assemble the Casserole
Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of tortilla chips to cover the bottom. Top with half of the refried beans, spreading it evenly, followed by half of the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle a layer of cheese and drizzle some salsa on top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese.
Step Three : Bake the Casserole
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step Four: Add Toppings and Serve
Garnish: Top the casserole with your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro.
Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy your delicious White Trash Mexican Recipe!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
Tips For Making the Best White Trash Mexican
Switch Up the Protein: Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or even black beans for the ground beef.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the dish.
Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra beans, veggies, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Serve Fresh: For the best texture, serve the casserole fresh out of the oven while the cheese is melty and gooey.

What to Eat with White Trash Mexican
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few sides can make it an even more exciting meal. Here are some ideas:
Extra Dips:Sour cream, Pair with guacamole, or pico de gallo for added variety.
Rice: Serve with Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice for a complete meal.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a great side to balance the spicy and savory flavors.
FAQ
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning to make it gluten-free.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
Serve the casserole immediately after baking to keep the chips crispy.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, diced bell peppers, onions, or corn can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
How can I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or use spicy taco seasoning.
White Trash Mexican Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Mexican, AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes20
minutes350
kcal35
minutesWhite Trash Mexican Recipe is a quick and flavorful casserole featuring layers of tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and cheese.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1 bag (10-12 ounces) tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup salsa
Optional Toppings:
Sour cream
Directions
- Step One : Prepare the Ground Beef
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and 1/2 cup of water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is well coated and the sauce thickens.
- Step Two: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of tortilla chips to cover the bottom. Top with half of the refried beans, spreading it evenly, followed by half of the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle a layer of cheese and drizzle some salsa on top. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of cheese.
- Step Three : Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Step Four: Add Toppings and Serve
- Garnish: Top the casserole with your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro.
- Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy your delicious White Trash Mexican Recipe!
Notes
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot salsa and adding more or fewer jalapeños or chili flakes.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or corn to the ground beef mixture for extra texture and taste.
- Make it Cheesy: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a creamier and more flavorful dish.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat in the oven to restore some crunch.
- Layer Evenly: Spread each ingredient evenly in the layers to ensure every bite is balanced with flavor and texture.