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Crockpot Taco Casserole Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

This hearty Crockpot Taco Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make comfort meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is simmered with classic taco seasonings, enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and salsa, then layered with crunchy tortilla chips and melted Mexican cheese blend in the slow cooker. Finished with fresh avocado, sour cream, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime for a vibrant taco-inspired dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 package mild taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (15-ounce) can mild red enchilada sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 6 ounces corn tortilla chips, divided
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Garnishes

  • Avocado slices
  • Sour cream
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray a 6-quart or larger crockpot with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking during cooking.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
  3. Add Seasonings and Mix: Stir the diced onions, mild taco seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, mild red enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and chunky salsa into the cooked beef. Allow the mixture to cook together for 2 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  4. Transfer to Crockpot and Layer: Pour the meat mixture into the bottom of the prepared crockpot. Add half (3 ounces) of the tortilla chips and 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend, then gently stir to combine evenly.
  5. Cook on High: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2 hours to let the ingredients meld and heat through.
  6. Top with Cheese and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and fully melted.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the casserole topped with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, fresh chopped cilantro, and a lime wedge. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, substitute mild taco seasoning with medium or hot taco seasoning.
  • Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
  • This dish can be prepared a day ahead; store refrigerated and reheat gently in the crockpot or oven.
  • To make it gluten-free, ensure the taco seasoning and tortilla chips are certified gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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