Easy Crockpot Taco Casserole: A Simple Recipe
Comfort in a Crockpot Slow Cooker Dinners.
A set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker taco casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights. Cozy, flavorful, and so simple.
I remember coming home from school to the smell of my mom's slow cooker meals filling the house. It was the scent of knowing everything was taken care of. This taco casserole is my modern take on that feeling. It started on a day when I had a million things to do, the kids were running in different directions, and I just needed dinner to be easy. I layered all our favorite taco flavors into the crockpot, crossed my fingers, and honestly, the result was better than I could have hoped. It's become our family's go-to for chaotic evenings. It's not fancy, and it's certainly not perfect, but it's real, and it brings us all to the table.
Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
- •It's a true 'set it and forget it' recipe, which is a lifesaver on busy days.
- •The flavors are so rich and comforting, like a warm hug in a bowl.
- •It's completely customizable! Everyone can add their favorite toppings to make it their own.
- •Clean-up is a breeze. I mean, one pot? Yes, please.
Wow, I didn't know the crockpot could do this! It's like a deconstructed taco that's somehow cozier and ten times easier. This recipe is a keeper for sure.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Ground Beef: I like to use an 85/15 blend for good flavor without too much grease, but honestly, anything works. You could even use ground turkey or chicken!
- Taco Seasoning: A store-bought packet is perfectly fine and so easy. If you have a homemade blend you love, that's even better. It’s all about making it yours.
- Salsa: Use your favorite kind! A medium chunky salsa adds great texture and a little kick without being too spicy for everyone. The quality of the salsa really makes a difference here.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, create your flavor base by browning the ground beef with onion and garlic right in a skillet. This simple step makes all the difference.
- Next, transfer that beautiful mixture to your slow cooker. This is where the magic starts to happen.
- Stir in the heart of the casserole: the beans, corn, salsa, and that wonderful taco seasoning.
- Finally, create the 'casserole' topping with a layer of crushed tortilla chips. They'll soften and become part of the dish, kind of like dumplings.
- Let the slow cooker do all the hard work, slowly melting all those flavors together for hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can brown the beef and mix everything (except the chips and cheese) together in the slow cooker insert the night before. Just cover and store it in the fridge, then pop it into the base and turn it on in the morning.
→What kind of tortilla chips are best?
Honestly, whatever you have in the pantry! A sturdier, thicker chip holds up a bit better, but any corn tortilla chip will work just fine. Don't stress about it.
→Is this casserole spicy?
It's as spicy as you make it! Use a mild taco seasoning and salsa for a kid-friendly version, or ramp it up with a hot salsa and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like heat.
Easy Crockpot Taco Casserole: A Simple Recipe
Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy crockpot taco casserole brings together savory ground beef, hearty beans, and all your favorite taco fixings. Just set it and forget it for a delicious, comforting dinner.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Total Time
4 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 011 lb ground beef
- 021 small yellow onion, chopped
- 032 cloves garlic, minced
- 041 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 051 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 061 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 071 cup of your favorite salsa
- 082 cups crushed tortilla chips
For Topping (Optional)
- 011 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 02Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 03Chopped fresh cilantro
- 04Diced avocado or guacamole
- 05Sliced green onions
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell it. Drain off any excess grease.
Transfer the beef mixture to the basin of your slow cooker. It already smells so good, doesn't it?
Gently stir in the taco seasoning, the drained black beans, corn, and your salsa. Mix it all together until everything is nicely combined.
Spread the crushed tortilla chips in an even layer over the top of the beef mixture. Don't press them down, just let them rest on top.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. Your house is about to smell amazing.
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, replace the lid, and let it get all melty and delicious.
Serve warm, spooned into bowls. Let everyone add their favorite toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cilantro, and some fresh avocado.
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to add other veggies! A can of diced green chiles or some leftover chopped bell peppers would be a great addition.
- 2This recipe is super forgiving. If you get home a little late and it needs to cook a bit longer on low, it'll be just fine.
Tools You'll Need
- •Don't skip browning the beef! It adds so much depth of flavor that you'd miss otherwise.
- •Drain the beans and corn really well to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery. Give the cans a good rinse, too.
- •Wait to add the cheese until the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This way it gets perfectly melty without getting oily or overcooked.
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