Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Mexico with our Mexican White Trash recipe. This dish, despite its quirky name, is a delightful fusion of flavors that will make your tastebuds dance in delight. It combines the hearty satisfaction of comfort food with the vibrant zing of Mexican spices. A medley of cheese, chicken, and a host of other ingredients are layered and baked to golden perfection, resulting in a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something different for your weeknight dinner, this Mexican White Trash recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t let the name fool you – this recipe is nothing short of a gastronomic treasure!
What is Mexican White Trash?
Mexican White Trash is a layered casserole dish that originated in Texas. It’s typically made with ingredients commonly found in Mexican cuisine, such as corn tortillas, chicken, beans, and cheese. The dish gets its name from the playful combination of the word “trash”, which refers to the various layers of ingredients used, and “white”, which is a nod to the gooey white cheese that is a key component of the dish.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican White Trash?
There are many reasons to love this Mexican White Trash recipe! Here are just a few:
- It’s easy to make: This dish requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients or substituting with whatever you have on hand. Plus, it can be served as a main course or a side dish.
- It’s budget-friendly: With simple and affordable ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank but will still satisfy your craving for delicious Mexican flavors.
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The Ingredients
- Shredded Chicken: This is the primary source of protein in the dish. It adds a hearty, meaty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. The shredded texture allows the chicken to mix evenly throughout the dish, ensuring you get some in every bite.
- Taco Seasoning: This is where much of the flavor comes from. Taco seasoning is a blend of spices typically used in Mexican cuisine, including chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. It gives the dish its characteristic spicy, savory taste.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and depth of flavor to the dish. It also helps bind the other ingredients together, creating a cohesive dish rather than separate components.
- Nacho Doritos: These add a crunchy texture to contrast with the creaminess of the other ingredients. They also contribute a cheesy, slightly spicy flavor that complements the other flavors in the dish.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheese is a staple ingredient in many Mexican dishes. It adds a creamy, savory flavor and a gooey texture. Plus, it browns nicely on top, providing an appetizing appearance.
- Rotel Tomatoes: These canned tomatoes come with green chilies, which provide a bit of heat. They also add a tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and cream of chicken soup.
- Sour Cream: This contributes a tangy flavor and creamy texture. It also helps balance out the heat from the taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes.
- Milk: This is used to thin out the mixture and ensure it doesn’t get too dry. It also adds a bit of richness.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is essential to ensure that your Mexican White Trash casserole bakes to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and taco seasoning. Thoroughly mix them to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the delicious flavors of the seasoning. This is the first layer of flavor in your casserole.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture
In another bowl, blend the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes (a mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies), sour cream, and milk. This creates a rich and creamy sauce that will enhance the texture and taste of your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Base
Take a baking dish and create the base by spreading a layer of crushed Nacho Doritos at the bottom. This layer not only provides a crunchy foundation but also infuses that classic Doritos flavor into the dish.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to layer the ingredients. Begin with a layer of seasoned shredded chicken, adding a hearty portion over the Nacho Doritos. This chicken layer infuses the casserole with a delicious, seasoned meaty component.
Step 6: Add the Creamy Sauce
On top of the chicken layer, spread a layer of the creamy soup and tomato mixture. This adds a luscious, slightly tangy, and spicy dimension to your casserole.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Cheese
To create a cheesy, gooey top layer, generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the creamy mixture. The cheese adds a delightful layer of richness and savory goodness.
Step 8: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering process. Create additional layers of Nacho Doritos, seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and cheese until all your ingredients are used up. These layers build a harmonious flavor and texture profile.
Step 9: Final Layer
Finish your casserole with a layer of crushed Nacho Doritos and a final sprinkle of shredded cheese. This top layer ensures a crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful crust when baked.
Step 10: Bake the Casserole
Place your prepared casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese becomes melted and delightfully bubbly, creating a mouthwatering appearance and aroma.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, serve your Mexican White Trash casserole hot. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delicious, comforting meal to enjoy with family and friends.
Notes
- You can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- For added spice, you can use a spicier variety of Rotel tomatoes or add some diced jalapenos to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure to crush the Nacho Doritos into small pieces before layering them in the dish. This will ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole and add a nice crunchy texture.
Nutrition Information
How to store Mexican White Trash?
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven or microwave until heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then follow reheating instructions as mentioned.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as it is, you can easily switch up the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Use ground beef or turkey instead of shredded chicken.
- Add in some black beans or refried beans for added protein and texture.
- Use crushed corn chips or tortilla chips instead of Nacho Doritos.
- Swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
- Top with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream before serving for added freshness.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking dish
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken soup
- 2 bags of Nacho Doritos crushed
- 4 cups shredded cheese
- 2 cans Rotel tomatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken and taco seasoning until evenly coated.
- In another bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, Rotel tomatoes, sour cream, and milk.
- Spread a layer of crushed Nacho Doritos on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Top with a layer of the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of the soup and tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.
- Finish with a layer of crushed Nacho Doritos and shredded cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Mexican White Trash casserole.
Notes
- You can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- For added spice, you can use a spicier variety of Rotel tomatoes or add some diced jalapenos to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure to crush the Nacho Doritos into small pieces before layering them in the dish. This will ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the casserole and add a nice crunchy texture.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I Make a Vegetarian Version of Mexican White Trash Casserole?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the shredded chicken. You can add extra beans, corn, or your favorite meatless protein substitute to create a satisfying meat-free alternative while keeping all the other delicious components of the dish.
Can I Customize the Level of Spiciness in This Dish?
Of course! You have the flexibility to adjust the spiciness level. If you prefer it milder, you can use a milder taco seasoning or opt for plain diced tomatoes instead of Rotel. To add more heat, consider using hot Rotel tomatoes or adding extra spices like cayenne pepper.
Can I substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup with something else?
Yes, if you prefer not to use canned soup or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or a different cream-based soup. Do note that the flavor will vary depending on the substitute you choose.
Wrapping Up
Mexican White Trash is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks with friends. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself why Mexican White Trash has stood the test of time as a beloved Tex-Mex classic!
Also, don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us in the comments below. We would love to hear about your variations and additions to this recipe. Happy cooking!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more