If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious meal, look no further than this Mexican White Trash Casserole. It’s an easy-to-make dish with layers of crispy Doritos, creamy chicken, and zesty spices that create the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day, bringing a crowd-pleasing dish to a potluck, or just craving a cheesy dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy.

My family absolutely loves this recipe because it’s simple to make and packed with bold flavors that everyone enjoys. It’s the kind of dish that gets gobbled up in seconds and has everyone asking for the recipe. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in this cheesy, creamy, Tex-Mex-inspired casserole!

Why You’ll Love Mexican White Trash Casserole

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Crunchy layers of Doritos, creamy chicken, and a blend of spices come together to create a rich and comforting meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. The fact that it’s made with ingredients like cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and taco seasoning makes it feel familiar and cozy—just like your favorite comfort foods. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that can be prepared in no time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is a variation of classic casserole recipes that have been loved for generations. The term “white trash” might seem funny, but it’s actually a playful nod to the dish’s simple, down-home roots. Combining pantry staples and a few key ingredients, this casserole embraces all things delicious and comforting, making it a crowd favorite for any casual dinner gathering.

Inspired by flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine, it brings together the richness of cheese, the heat of Ro’tel tomatoes, and the crunch of Doritos—all the things that make casseroles a beloved choice for busy families. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you think of those laid-back family dinners or potluck get-togethers where everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and devouring the meal in record time.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Mexican White Trash Casserole is ideal for various occasions. If you’re planning a family dinner, it’s quick and easy to put together after a long day. The casserole works just as well for casual gatherings or parties. With its cheesy, crunchy texture and bold flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, as it can be made ahead of time and served warm right from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a football party, holiday get-together, or just need a filling meal for a busy weeknight, this casserole has got your back.

Ingredients for Mexican White Trash Casserole

This recipe calls for simple ingredients that are easy to find, and you may even already have many of them in your pantry. The combination of shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro’tel tomatoes, and Doritos creates a mouthwatering balance of flavors and textures. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed (about 8-9 oz)
2 cups shredded chicken (can be rotisserie or cooked chicken)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite cheese)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 can Ro’tel tomatoes (with diced green chilies, 10 oz)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
½ package taco seasoning (about 1.5 tablespoons)

Optional toppings:

Jalapeño slices for heat (optional)
Additional shredded cheese for topping
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

These ingredients create a creamy, cheesy base with a crispy, flavorful crunch from the Doritos. The Ro’tel tomatoes add a hint of spice, and the taco seasoning ties everything together with a bit of zest. It’s an all-in-one casserole that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without the hassle.

Step-by-Step Directions for Mexican White Trash Casserole

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you assemble and bake this irresistible casserole.

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will allow the casserole to cook evenly and ensure the Doritos become crisp and golden.
- While your oven is heating up, grease or lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper if you prefer easy cleanup.
Mix the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro’tel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning.
- Stir everything together until fully combined and smooth. You should have a creamy, seasoned chicken mixture with a bit of texture from the tomatoes. The taco seasoning will give the casserole a delicious burst of flavor. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed (a little extra taco seasoning can be added for more flavor).
Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the greased casserole dish. This will form the crispy, flavorful base layer that holds everything together.
- Next, spread half of the chicken mixture on top of the Doritos, making sure to cover the chips evenly.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of the remaining crushed Doritos, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture. This will create the classic casserole effect—crunchy chips surrounded by creamy chicken and gooey cheese.
Top with Cheese:
- If you like your casserole extra cheesy (who doesn’t?), sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the casserole. Cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend works wonderfully here. The cheese will melt beautifully during baking and give the casserole a golden, bubbly finish.
Bake:
- Cover the casserole with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 35 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and for the flavors to meld together.
- After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the top to become crispy and golden brown.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into squares.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for a kick. Pair it with a side of guacamole or salsa for the full Tex-Mex experience.

Enjoy:

Serve the casserole hot and enjoy the comfort of a cheesy, flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Nutritional Information

For those keeping an eye on the calorie count, here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown of the casserole:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Calories per Serving: 380 kcal

This casserole is perfect for those who want a quick meal that’s filling and satisfying. With the combination of Doritos, chicken, and cheese, each bite is packed with flavor.

Tips for Success

Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut, or cook chicken breasts yourself. Just make sure to shred the chicken well so it blends seamlessly into the casserole.
Dorito Chips: Be sure to crush the Doritos to your desired size—crushing them into bite-sized pieces helps to create the perfect texture. If you prefer a less crunchy casserole, feel free to break them into larger pieces.
Taco Seasoning: Adjust the taco seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicier, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or using a spicier version of the seasoning.
Add-ins: Customize your casserole by adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or even black beans to the chicken mixture for added flavor and texture. You can also add some chopped green chilies to the chicken mixture for an extra punch of heat.

Why You’ll Want to Make This Mexican White Trash Casserole

This casserole checks all the boxes: it’s easy, flavorful, and satisfying. With minimal prep time and ingredients you likely already have on hand, you can have a delicious and hearty dinner ready in no time. Plus, the combination of crunchy Doritos, creamy chicken, and melted cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a party, or need to bring something to a potluck, this casserole will be the star of the show.

So go ahead—give this Mexican White Trash Casserole a try. It’s the ultimate comfort food

Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

Author: ia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and utterly delicious meal, look no further than this Mexican White Trash Casserole. It’s an easy-to-make dish with layers of crispy Doritos, creamy chicken, and zesty spices that create the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long day, bringing a crowd-pleasing dish to a potluck, or just craving a cheesy dinner, this casserole is sure to satisfy. My family absolutely loves this recipe because it’s simple to make and packed with bold flavors that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bag Nacho Doritos, crushed (about 8–9 oz)
2 cups shredded chicken (can be rotisserie or cooked chicken)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite cheese)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 can Ro’tel tomatoes (with diced green chilies, 10 oz)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
½ package taco seasoning (about 1.5 tablespoons)

Optional toppings:

Jalapeño slices for heat (optional)
Additional shredded cheese for topping
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Ro’tel tomatoes, sour cream, milk, and taco seasoning. Stir everything together until fully combined and smooth.
Spread half of the crushed Doritos in the bottom of the greased casserole dish.
Add half of the chicken mixture on top of the Doritos, spreading it evenly.
Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining crushed Doritos, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture.
If desired, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese on top of the casserole for extra cheesiness.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the top crisp up and the cheese melt.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm with a drizzle of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Notes

Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut, or cook chicken breasts yourself. Just make sure to shred the chicken well so it blends seamlessly into the casserole.
Dorito Chips: Be sure to crush the Doritos to your desired size—crushing them into bite-sized pieces helps to create the perfect texture. If you prefer a less crunchy casserole, feel free to break them into larger pieces.
Taco Seasoning: Adjust the taco seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicier, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or using a spicier version of the seasoning.
Add-ins: Customize your casserole by adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or even black beans to the chicken mixture for added flavor and texture. You can also add some chopped green chilies for an extra punch of heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes