Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a simple, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and veggies, it cooks low and slow for a delicious, hands-off dinner the whole family will enjoy.

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 to combine flavors.
3. Step 3: Transfer the seasoned beef to a slow cooker and add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers; mix well.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
5. Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover to let it melt.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream, cilantro, or your favorite taco toppings.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresher flavor and control over salt content; here’s a great recipe.
• Serve with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a more filling meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare it on the stovetop by simmering the mixture in a covered pan for about 30 minutes until flavors meld and vegetables are tender. Add cheese at the end to melt.

What can I use if I don’t have black beans?

Pinto beans or kidney beans are great substitutes and work well with the taco flavors in this recipe.

Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 93 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 2 hours 11 minutes (high) or 4 hours 11 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers, all slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole offers a comforting, Tex-Mex inspired meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (mix of colors)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean and flavorful.
2. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir the taco seasoning into the browned beef and cook together for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seasoned beef to your slow cooker. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop deeply and the vegetables to soften perfectly.
5. Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
6. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and gooey, serve the casserole hot. For added zest, top with sour cream, cilantro, or other favorite taco toppings.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Homemade taco seasoning can be made using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• If you prefer a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or textured vegetable protein.
• The casserole can be kept warm in the slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting for up to 1 hour before serving without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 11 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: slow cooker taco casserole, easy taco casserole, ground beef casserole, slow cooker recipes, Mexican casserole, taco dinner