Mexican White Trash Casserole (Print Format)

Simple layered casserole with tortilla chips, seasoned beef, refried beans, and plenty of melty cheese for busy weeknights.

# Ingredients:

→ Casserole foundation

01 - 1 bag (9-10 oz) tortilla chips, lightly crushed
02 - 1 pound ground beef or turkey for lighter option
03 - 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
04 - 1 cup salsa, your preferred heat level
05 - 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
06 - 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

→ Optional toppings for serving

07 - Sour cream
08 - Guacamole
09 - Diced fresh tomatoes
10 - Sliced black olives
11 - Chopped green onions
12 - Fresh cilantro leaves

# Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F and give a 9x13-inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticking later on.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef until it's nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so all those flavors can meld together beautifully.
03 - Spread half of those lightly crushed tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. These create the perfect crunchy foundation for your casserole.
04 - Spoon the refried beans over the chips and spread them into an even layer - this creamy layer helps everything stick together. Then add half of your seasoned beef mixture on top of the beans, spreading it out nicely.
05 - Sprinkle 1 cup of that delicious Mexican cheese blend over the beef layer. This middle cheese layer is key for holding everything together when it melts.
06 - Add the remaining tortilla chips, then top with the rest of your beef mixture. Finish with the remaining cup of cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface for that perfect golden, bubbly top.
07 - Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then add your favorite toppings and serve while it's still wonderfully gooey!

# Tips:

01 - Don't crush the tortilla chips too much - leaving some bigger pieces gives you better texture and satisfying crunch in every bite.
02 - This is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the whole casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
03 - For the meltiest, creamiest results, use freshly shredded cheese instead of the pre-shredded stuff from bags.
04 - Leftovers keep great in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
05 - Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the ground beef for an extra can of black beans or try a plant-based ground meat substitute.

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