Name: Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 10-ounce bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed (approximately 4 cups); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend recommended); 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup; 1 10-ounce can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup milk; ½ packet taco seasoning (approximately 1 tablespoon); Nonstick cooking spray for greasing the baking dish; Optional: Additional shredded cheese for topping

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe because it’s such a delightful, no-fuss dish that fills the kitchen with amazing aromas and tastes even better than it smells. This casserole brings together crispy Doritos, tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a creamy, spicy tomato kick from Rotel, making each bite a comforting blend of textures and bold flavors. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or when I need a crowd-pleaser that never fails to get rave reviews.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

From the moment I mixed the ingredients for this casserole, I knew I was in for a special treat. The flavor profile is absolutely crave-worthy—there’s a perfect balance of creaminess from the soup and sour cream, the smoky spiciness from the taco seasoning and Rotel, and that unmistakable cheesy crunch from the Doritos that just elevates the entire dish to another level. Every mouthful feels cozy and vibrant at the same time, which makes this casserole so irresistibly satisfying.

What truly hooks me is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. I love recipes that don’t require a million steps or fancy tools, and this casserole fits the bill perfectly—just mix, layer, bake, and you’re done. It’s also wonderfully flexible for all sorts of occasions. Whether I’m hosting a casual get-together, making a quick weeknight dinner, or bringing something to a potluck, this dish shines every time. It’s the kind of recipe that stands out because it feels special yet doesn’t demand a ton of time or effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white baking dish holds a square layered casserole with a top layer of melted, golden-yellow and light brown cheese that has crispy browned edges. Small pieces of green cilantro leaves are scattered on the cheese layer for color contrast. The casserole appears to have multiple layers beneath the cheese with visible hints of browned and textured filling along the sides. It rests on a white marbled surface, and some green parsley is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this casserole comes from simple ingredients that each play an essential part in creating the taste, texture, and colorful appeal of the dish. Every item contributes something unique — from the crispy, bold flavor of the Doritos to the melty, savory punch of the cheese and the creamy, spicy filling that ties it all together.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Nacho Cheese Doritos: These crushed chips add a wonderful crunch and cheesy flavor that’s signature to the dish.
Cooked shredded chicken: The hearty protein base that soaks up the creamy, spicy sauce beautifully.
Shredded cheese: Using cheddar or Mexican blend brings gooey, melty richness that pulls everything together.
Cream of chicken soup: Provides the creamy, comforting texture needed to bind the ingredients.
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies: Brings moisture, zest, and a subtle spicy kick to the casserole.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to keep every bite luscious.
Milk: Lightens the filling for a smooth consistency.
Taco seasoning: Gives the casserole a burst of authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.
Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for greasing your baking dish so nothing sticks and clean-up is easy.
Optional extra shredded cheese: For those of us who believe there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes (either undrained or lightly drained, based on your desired moisture level). Add the sour cream, milk, taco seasoning, and 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Stir everything well until the mixture is fully incorporated and creamy.

Step 3: Spread half of the crushed Doritos evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Then, layer half of the chicken mixture over the chips, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining crushed Doritos next, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture on top.

Step 5: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese, or more if you want to go all out on cheesiness.

Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 35 minutes. If you’re doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish, bake for around 45 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key as it helps the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for family dinners or sharing at casual get-togethers. The prep time is roughly 15 minutes since most of the ingredients are simple to combine. Baking takes about 35 minutes, making the total active and cook time approximately 50 minutes, including resting time. If you’re doubling the recipe, expect the baking time to increase to around 45 minutes.

How to Serve This Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe

A close-up of a white plate with a layered dish featuring three main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat and beans with a brownish texture, the middle layer has bright red chunks of tomato mixed into the meat, and the top layer is melted golden yellow cheddar cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The dish looks moist and soft, with some small scattered pieces of herbs on the plate. The background is a white marbled texture with blurred hints of green and red colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this casserole fresh and warm straight out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the top is festively golden. It’s perfect by itself as a complete meal because it’s so hearty, but if I want to elevate the experience, I’ll serve it alongside a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette that cuts through the richness beautifully.

For garnishes, I often sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream on each portion to add layers of freshness and creaminess. A few avocado slices or a squeeze of lime really brighten up the flavors too. If I’m feeling adventurous, some pickled jalapeños on top bring a nice spicy kick that adds excitement to each bite.

When it comes to drink pairings, a chilled Mexican lager or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the casserole’s bold flavors perfectly. If you prefer cocktails, I highly recommend a classic margarita to harmonize with the dish’s spice and creaminess. For non-alcoholic options, homemade limeade or sparkling water with fresh lime slices feel refreshing and lively. I find the casserole works beautifully for casual dinners, holiday gatherings, or even festive potlucks, and serving it warm hits all the right comfort notes.

Variations

I find this Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe incredibly versatile when it comes to swapping ingredients or tweaking flavors. For a different protein twist, I’ve used shredded turkey leftovers or even ground beef seasoned with taco spices instead of chicken. Each version brings a unique character while keeping the spirit of the dish intact.

If you’re aiming to make it gluten-free, just be sure to substitute gluten-free cream of chicken soup and taco seasoning, and swap the Doritos for a gluten-free chip alternative, such as plain tortilla chips or certified gluten-free cheese chips. For my vegan friends, I’ve experimented with dairy-free cream soups, plant-based sour cream, vegan shredded cheese, and jackfruit or beans as a chicken substitute — it turns out wonderfully satisfying!

To switch up the flavor profile, I’ve played around with adding enchilada sauce in place of some of the cream of chicken soup for a slightly tangier, deeper taste. Baking it uncovered for the last 10 minutes instead of covered also crisps the cheese top even more, which adds a fantastic textural contrast. I encourage you to make this casserole your own and have fun with little changes to suit your cravings.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the casserole, I store leftovers in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. I find it keeps perfectly for 3 to 4 days, allowing me to enjoy convenient, tasty meals later in the week. Glass containers with tight lids work best for retaining moisture and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, I portion it into individual or family-sized servings in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure the casserole has cooled completely before freezing. It maintains its delicious taste and texture for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For quicker reheating, the microwave works well in short intervals, stirring if possible to heat evenly. Avoid overheating as it can toughen the chicken and make the chips soggy. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating helps restore the luscious, melty texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chip instead of Nacho Cheese Doritos?

Absolutely! While Nacho Cheese Doritos provide a unique cheesy crunch, you can substitute with plain tortilla chips, spicy chips, or even a gluten-free alternative if needed. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly depending on the chips you choose.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge to ensure it’s heated through evenly.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! I like to sneak in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition. Just fold them into the chicken mixture before layering to keep everything balanced and moist.

What can I do if I want it spicier?

You can easily kick up the heat by adding more Rotel with green chilies, including diced jalapeño peppers, or sprinkling cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the filling mixture. Topping with pickled jalapeños before serving also amps the spice level deliciously.

Is this casserole suitable for a crowd or potluck?

Yes, this Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe is fantastic for feeding a crowd! It’s easy to double or even triple the ingredients and bake in a larger dish. Plus, it transports well and is just as tasty reheated, making it a potluck favorite in my experience.

Conclusion

Making and sharing this Mexican White Trash Casserole Recipe has become one of my favorite kitchen moments because it’s just so reliably tasty, easy, and fun. I hope you enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and spicy casserole as much as I do — it’s the kind of dish that turns any ordinary day into a special celebration of flavor and togetherness. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll earn a spot in your regular recipe lineup too!