Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker taco casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of savory ingredients meld together in a kitchen appliance that does most of the heavy lifting.

Spices dance through tender meat and soft tortillas, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Mexican-inspired flavors burst with each bite, promising a dinner that sparks conversation around the table.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for anyone looking to simplify weeknight cooking.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Dive in and let the slow cooker work its magic – you won’t be disappointed.

Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Ingredients Guide

• Ground Beef: Hearty base for the taco casserole.

• Black Beans, Corn: Add texture and extra nutrition.

• Taco Seasoning Mix: Provides classic Mexican flavor profile.
• Garlic, Onion: Add depth and aromatic base.

• Salsa, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Bring moisture and tangy heat.

• Tortilla Strips: Creates layered structure for casserole.

• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: Provides creamy, melty finish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds bright, fresh herb garnish.

• Sour Cream, Sliced Jalapeños, Diced Avocado: Customize serving style.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking in slow cooker.

Instructions For Taco Casserole In The Crockpot

Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook ground beef until it turns brown and crumbly.

Drain away excess fat.

Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and stir for another minute until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 2: Spice Up the Mixture

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and onion mixture.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, including their juicy liquid.

Mix everything together and remove from heat.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Prepare your slow cooker by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.

Create a base layer with salsa spread across the bottom.

• Tortilla strips
• Half of the beef mixture
• Black beans
• Corn

Repeat the layering process, ending with a final layer of tortilla strips.

Pour the remaining salsa over the top to seal in all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 4-5 hours or on high setting for 2-3 hours until everything is heated through and flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle a generous layer of Mexican cheese blend over the top.

Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finish the dish with a garnish of fresh chopped cilantro.

• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Tips For A Flavor-Packed Taco Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible when browning ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Arrange tortilla strips evenly to create a consistent texture and prevent soggy or dry spots throughout the dish.
• Customize heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or add extra green chilies for more kick without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Check casserole around the 4-hour mark on low setting to avoid drying out the meat and ensure tender, juicy results.
• Let cheese sit covered for 5-10 minutes after sprinkling to achieve perfect melting consistency without burning or becoming rubbery.

How To Store & Reheat Taco Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of salsa to maintain moisture.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Taco Casserole

• Pair Zesty Mexican Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas complement the spicy taco casserole perfectly, cutting through the richness with bright citrus notes.
• Enhance with Cool Sour Cream Dip: Create a creamy cilantro-lime sour cream sauce as a refreshing side that balances the dish's bold flavors and adds a cooling element.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Light Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo provide a clean, crisp contrast to the hearty, spicy casserole, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Fresh Pico de Gallo: Prepare a quick pico de gallo salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add fresh, bright components that enhance the casserole's depth.

Taco Casserole Twists You Should Try

• Vegetarian Bean Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional black beans for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the classic taco flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Casserole: Swap regular tortilla strips with corn tortilla strips or gluten-free tortilla chips to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Increase heat by adding diced fresh jalapeños directly into the beef mixture and using a hot salsa instead of mild for those who love extra spiciness.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute tortilla strips with riced cauliflower or cauliflower tortilla strips to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious southwestern taste.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before adding to the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and green chilies. If you prefer less spice, choose a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount of green chilies.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortilla strips and verify that your taco seasoning mix is gluten-free. Most brands are, but always double-check the label.

• Do I need to pre-cook the beans and corn?

No, you can use canned black beans and corn directly from the can. Just drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.

Why Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Stands Out

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, making dinner a breeze without constant supervision.
• Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese, beans, and corn, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the table.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Perfect for potlucks, game days, or casual gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen stress.

Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty slow cooker taco casserole delivers classic Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crisp tortilla chips create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 cup salsa

Toppings and Extras:

• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into strips
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)
• Diced avocado (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, eliminating excess fat through draining.
2. Incorporate diced onions into the beef, sautéing until they become translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Introduce minced garlic, cooking briefly until aromatic.
3. Integrate taco seasoning into the meat mixture, allowing it to bloom for one minute. Fold in diced tomatoes with green chilies, ensuring complete incorporation. Remove from heat source.
4. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating interior with non-stick spray. Create a foundational layer of salsa across the bottom. Arrange the first set of tortilla strips as a base layer.
5. Methodically construct alternating layers: spread half the beef mixture, distribute black beans and corn. Repeat layering process with remaining tortilla strips, beef, legumes, and corn kernels.
6. Conclude layering by draping final tortilla strips and generously coating with remaining salsa.
7. Secure slow cooker lid and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until ingredients meld harmoniously.
8. Fifteen minutes prior to serving, sprinkle Mexican cheese blend across casserole surface. Allow cheese to melt completely.
9. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro. Optionally complement with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and diced avocado.

Notes

• Use slightly stale or slightly toasted tortilla strips to maintain their texture during slow cooking.
• Adjust taco seasoning or add diced green chilies to control heat intensity for different spice preferences.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
• Replace meat with additional beans, quinoa, or vegetable protein to create a completely meat-free version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg