If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to throw together, the White Trash Casserole with Doritos is your answer. Combining layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, beans, corn, and melty cheese with the crunch of Doritos, this casserole is both hearty and satisfying. It’s a favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a simple, indulgent meal that hits all the right notes.

This casserole offers a fun twist on traditional Tex-Mex flavors, turning pantry staples into a cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful dish. The combination of black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes adds texture and nutrition, while the taco seasoning infuses the beef with bold, zesty flavors. Cream of mushroom soup and sour cream provide a creamy base, ensuring every bite is rich and comforting. Topping the casserole with Doritos before baking adds a playful, crispy element that makes it irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is versatile, easy, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions to make this White Trash Casserole, tips to perfect it, serving ideas, variations, and answers to common questions.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 1 large bag (9.25 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
• Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

3. Season the Beef

Stir in the packet of taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water (or according to packet instructions). Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes until the seasoning is evenly distributed and flavors meld.

4. Combine Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked seasoned beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

5. Layer the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the top. Lightly crush the Nacho Cheese Doritos and sprinkle them over the cheese layer for a crispy, cheesy topping.

6. Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the Doritos have slightly browned. For extra crispiness, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes for added color, freshness, and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Use lean ground beef: This reduces excess grease and keeps the casserole from becoming soggy.
2. Customize the Doritos layer: Adjust the amount or type of Doritos according to preference. Cool Ranch Doritos can add a fun twist.
3. Mix ingredients gently: Avoid overmixing to maintain some texture in the beans and vegetables.
4. Cheese choices: A Mexican cheese blend works best, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination can be used.
5. Add extra spice: Incorporate diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce if you like a spicier casserole.

Serving Suggestions

White Trash Casserole with Doritos is a versatile dish:

• Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
• Pair with guacamole or sour cream for an extra creamy bite.
• Ideal for potlucks, game-day gatherings, or weeknight dinners.
• Leftovers make great filling for taco bowls or burritos.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils, extra beans, or meat alternatives.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for additional nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Crunch: Mix Doritos with crushed tortilla chips for a layered crunch.
• Creamy Twist: Stir in a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The Doritos topping may lose some crunch upon storage; add fresh crushed Doritos when reheating for extra crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, drain any excess liquid before mixing to prevent sogginess.

3. Can I make it gluten-free?
Check that the taco seasoning and Doritos are gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adjust cooking time as needed.

5. Is this casserole spicy?
The base recipe is mildly seasoned. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.

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Conclusion

White Trash Casserole with Doritos is a quick, hearty, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures in every bite. Its Tex-Mex flavors, simplicity, and versatility make it a favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or comfort food cravings. With a few pantry staples and this step-by-step guide, you can create a delicious, indulgent casserole that’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and fun to eat. Serve it warm, garnish as desired, and enjoy a cheesy, flavorful meal that everyone will love.