Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a flavor-packed Mexican fiesta? Imagine coming home to a mouthwatering aroma of perfectly seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips - all effortlessly prepared in your trusty crock pot! This Crock Pot Taco Casserole is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests wondering about your secret cooking skills.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (16 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup tortilla chips
Instructions
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and fully browned, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef and transfer the cooked meat to the crock pot.
- Add the drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the crock pot with the ground beef.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat. Allow the casserole to cook for 4 hours, which will help blend the flavors and create a rich, cohesive dish.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Once cooking is complete, crush the tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole for added crunch.
- Serve hot, directly from the crock pot. Optional: Garnish with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef with a diced onion before adding it to the crock pot.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning if you're watching your salt intake.
- For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Make sure to drain beans and corn completely to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.
- Don't add the cheese and tortilla chips too early - add them in the last 30-45 minutes to maintain their texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
