Mexican White Trash Casserole

This cheesy, creamy taco-style casserole is the version that looks like the one in your picture—loaded with seasoned beef, tortilla chips, and lots of melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) corn, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 g) sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4–5 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes and corn. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
5. In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and condensed soup until smooth.
6. Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Add half of the beef mixture.
8. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the beef.
9. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1 cup cheddar.
10. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining cheese on top.
11. Place a few whole tortilla chips on top for presentation.
12. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted.
13. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

For the Extra-Cheesy Pull (Like the Picture)

• Use whole milk mozzarella, freshly shredded.
• Add an extra 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
• Serve immediately while hot.
• Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a golden cheesy crust.

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes