Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, it brings the flavors of a taco dinner with minimal effort. Simply set it and forget it until dinnertime!

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mix of colors)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Stir in taco seasoning and cook for one additional minute.
3. Step 3: Transfer the beef to a slow cooker and add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers; mix well.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
5. Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted.
6. Step 6: Serve hot with desired toppings like sour cream and cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a diced onion when browning the beef or a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Swap out cheddar cheese for a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
• Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier casserole.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this dish on the stovetop by simmering the combined ingredients in a covered skillet or pot for about 30-40 minutes until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.

What can I serve with slow cooker taco casserole?

This casserole pairs well with simple sides like rice, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. Adding toppings such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, or fresh cilantro enhances the flavors even more.

Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is combined with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers, then slow-cooked to meld all the delicious flavors together. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that pairs well with classic taco toppings like sour cream and cilantro.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)

Vegetables and Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mix of colors)

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
2. Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning to the cooked beef and continue to cook for one additional minute to enhance the flavors.
3. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the seasoned beef to your slow cooker. Add rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors distribute evenly.
4. Cook in slow cooker: Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours. This allows the ingredients to meld and become tender.
5. Add cheese topping: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover to let the cheese melt thoroughly.
6. Serve and garnish: Serve the casserole hot, garnished with optional toppings such as sour cream and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to reduce the overall sodium content.

Keywords: slow cooker, taco casserole, ground beef, black beans, cheddar cheese, mexican casserole, easy dinner