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
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)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, eliminating excess fat through draining.
- Incorporate diced onions into the beef, sautéing until they become translucent and tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Introduce minced garlic, cooking briefly until aromatic.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Conclude layering by draping final tortilla strips and generously coating with remaining salsa.
- Secure slow cooker lid and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until ingredients meld harmoniously.
- Fifteen minutes prior to serving, sprinkle Mexican cheese blend across casserole surface. Allow cheese to melt completely.
- 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