Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned beef, beans, and vegetables, it’s comforting and easy to prepare. Let your slow cooker do the work for a delicious, hands-off dinner.

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 a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker mixture.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use a mix of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
• Serve with tortilla chips or over cooked rice for a hearty meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can combine all ingredients in a large skillet or Dutch oven, simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld and the vegetables are tender. Add cheese at the end to melt.

Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely. Just drain the canned corn before adding it to the slow cooker. It works well and saves prep time.

Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese, it delivers a comforting and satisfying Mexican-inspired dinner with minimal effort.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

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 beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Season the meat: Stir in taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute to let the spices bloom and coat the meat evenly.
3. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the seasoned ground beef to a slow cooker. Add rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Cook the casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded together.
5. Add cheese and melt: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
6. Serve: Serve the taco casserole hot, optionally topped with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or other favorite toppings.

Notes

• For a healthier version, use leaner ground beef or ground turkey.
• You can customize the vegetables by adding onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Serve with tortilla chips, rice, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily in the microwave or on the stove.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the taco seasoning does not contain gluten.

Keywords: slow cooker recipe, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, easy Mexican dinner, crockpot taco, weeknight dinner