Description
This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Ground beef is seasoned and layered with tortilla strips, beans, corn, salsa, and cheese, then slowly cooked to meld the flavors together into a comforting Tex-Mex casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup salsa
Vegetables
- 15 oz black beans, drained
- 15 oz corn, drained
Dairy and Grains
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 6 small tortillas, cut into strips
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, then drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onions to the skillet and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Mix in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies into the beef mixture, then remove from heat to prepare for layering.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, start by spreading some salsa on the bottom. Add a layer of tortilla strips, followed by half the beef mixture, then black beans and corn. Repeat these layers one more time, finishing with tortilla strips and salsa on top.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the tortillas to soften and absorb the juices.
- Add Cheese to Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again to let the cheese melt perfectly before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add chopped jalapeños or use a hot salsa.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated; just add additional cooking time when ready to cook.
- Serve with toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
