If you love tacos but want a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort, this Crockpot Taco Casserole is for you! It’s packed with flavor, layered with taco goodness, and slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Easy to make – just layer the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work
- Packed with flavor – all the best taco ingredients in one dish
- Great for meal prep – leftovers taste even better the next day
- Customizable – easily adjust toppings and spice levels to your taste
Ingredients
- ground beef
- l onion, diced
- can black beans, drained and rinsed
- can corn, drained
- can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- can tomato sauce
- taco seasoning
- sour cream
- shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 6flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is below.
Brown the Beef
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Layer the Ingredients
Start with a layer of tortillas at the bottom of the crockpot. Follow with a portion of the seasoned beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until everything is melted and flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop out a portion and top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference
- Want a spicier kick? Add jalapeños or use a spicier taco seasoning
- For a richer flavor, stir in a little salsa or enchilada sauce between the layers
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken
- Use refried beans instead of black beans for a creamier texture
- Add bell peppers or onions for extra veggies
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this casserole with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a crisp green salad. It also goes great with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the layers and store in the fridge overnight. Cook the next day as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works great, but you can use any melty cheese.
Can I make this without a crockpot?
Yes! Assemble in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Taco Casserole is a hands-off, crowd-pleasing meal that’s loaded with taco flavors. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit. Try it and let the slow cooker work its magic!
Print
Crockpot Taco Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Crockpot Taco Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings together all the best parts of tacos in a comforting casserole. Made with layers of seasoned beef, beans, tortillas, and melted cheese, it’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 6 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, Rotel, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Spray the crockpot with cooking spray.
- Layer 2 tortillas at the bottom of the crockpot, followed by a portion of the beef mixture and shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter version.
- Serve with extra toppings like avocado, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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