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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir the taco seasoning into the browned beef and cook together for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
