Go Back
To make a delicious Crockpot Taco Casserole, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed - 1 cup salsa Each ingredient adds its own flavor and texture. Ground beef or turkey provides protein and heartiness. The black beans and kidney beans add fiber and richness. Corn brings sweetness, and diced tomatoes add moisture. Taco seasoning gives it that classic taco taste. Salsa ties everything together, making the dish flavorful and zesty. The shredded cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy top. Finally, crushed tortilla chips add crunch and make it fun to eat. Don’t forget optional toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro to enhance your dish even more! {{ingredient_image_2}} Browning the Ground Beef or Turkey Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook the meat until it turns brown, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir it often to break it up. This step gives your casserole great flavor. Draining Excess Fat Once the meat is brown, take a slotted spoon and transfer it to a bowl. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. This keeps your casserole from being too greasy. Adding Beans, Tomatoes, and Seasoning Now, add the cooked meat to your crockpot. Next, add 1 can of black beans, 1 can of kidney beans, and 1 can of corn. Make sure they are all drained. Then, include 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and 1 packet of taco seasoning. Stir everything well so the flavors mix. Mixing in Salsa Pour 1 cup of salsa over the mixture in the crockpot. Gently stir again until the salsa is spread evenly throughout the ingredients. This adds a nice kick to your dish. Cooking Times on Low and High Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. This allows all the layers to heat through and blend together. Importance of Covered Cooking Keeping the lid on is key. It helps the casserole cook evenly and keeps the moisture inside. This makes sure every bite is juicy and tasty. Stirring in Tortilla Chips and Cheese About 30 minutes before serving, take 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips and stir them into the mixture. Add half of your shredded cheese at this point, mixing well until combined. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. Allowing Cheese to Melt Top the casserole with the rest of the shredded cheese. Cover the crockpot again and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly, making it gooey and delicious. Substitutions for Beans and Meat You can swap the black and kidney beans for any beans you like. Try pinto beans or chickpeas for a new taste. If you prefer a different meat, ground turkey works great too. It gives a lighter flavor and less fat. Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition Want to boost the nutrition? Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies blend well and add color. They also provide more vitamins and minerals. Just chop them small and mix them in with the beans and meat. Suggested Seasonings To make your casserole pop, try adding garlic powder or cumin. A dash of chili powder can also add a nice kick. Just a pinch can make a big difference in taste. Mix these spices in with the taco seasoning for extra flavor depth. Importance of Quality Salsa Never underestimate the power of salsa! A good quality salsa brings freshness. Choose a salsa with chunky tomatoes and vibrant flavors. It can really elevate your dish. Avoid bland options; they won't add the zest you want. Techniques for Presentation Serve your casserole in bright bowls for a fun look. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a nice green touch. You can also create layers with the toppings, which makes it more appealing. This way, each bite looks as good as it tastes! Recommended Toppings for Extra Flavor Top your casserole with sour cream for creaminess. Diced avocado adds a rich flavor. For those who love spice, sliced jalapeños are a must. Each topping gives a unique taste, making every bite exciting. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content in your casserole while still maintaining flavor. Layering Flavors: Consider adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing different brands of salsa or adding fresh jalapeños based on your preference. Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with additional beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying. {{image_4}} Want a meat-free option? You can use plant-based proteins. Try lentils or black bean crumbles. These choices add protein and keep the dish hearty. You can even mix different beans for fun flavors. Adding more vegetables is another great idea. Chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini work well. These vegetables boost nutrition and color. Just chop them small so they cook evenly in the crockpot. If you enjoy heat, add extra jalapeños. You can slice them and stir them into the mix. For a stronger kick, try using spicy salsa or taco seasoning. This extra spice adds bold flavor to each bite. Consider adding diced green chilies too. They bring a nice zing without overwhelming the dish. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Looking to cut carbs? Replacing tortilla chips is an easy fix. You can use crushed pork rinds instead. They add crunch without the carbs. Using zucchini or cauliflower rice is another smart option. These veggies create a great base for your casserole. They soak up the flavors and keep the dish light. Just be sure to chop them small for even cooking. After you enjoy your Crockpot Taco Casserole, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Leftovers should be eaten within three to four days. This ensures you enjoy the best taste and safety. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space for expansion. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pot over low heat. Stir often until it warms up. You can also microwave it. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the casserole tasty and safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen meat. However, you should thaw it before cooking. The best way to thaw meat is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to cook it right after thawing. Using thawed meat helps it cook evenly in the crockpot. To spice up your taco casserole, add more heat with jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also use a spicy taco seasoning mix. Another option is to add diced green chilies or crushed red pepper flakes. Each of these will bring a nice kick to your dish and please those who love spicy food. Cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend works best for this recipe. Both types melt nicely and add great flavor. Cheddar gives a sharp taste, while the Mexican blend adds creaminess. Using freshly shredded cheese will help it melt better than pre-shredded cheese. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. You can chop all the ingredients and mix them in the crockpot a day before. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This saves time and helps the flavors mix. You can also cook it ahead of time and reheat it later. This dish is easy and fun to make. We learned how to prepare a tasty casserole with ground meat, beans, and cheese. You can customize it to fit your tastes. Add veggies for nutrition or spice it up with jalapeños. Proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh, too. With many options and tips, this recipe offers joy in cooking. You can impress friends and family with this hearty meal. Enjoy making it!

Crockpot Taco Casserole

A hearty and flavorful taco casserole made in a crockpot, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
  • 1 cup salsa
  • Optional toppings for serving: sour cream, diced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Transfer the cooked meat to your crockpot. Add the drained black beans, rinsed kidney beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the taco seasoning. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  • Pour the salsa over the bean and meat mixture in the crockpot. Gently stir again to ensure the salsa is well dispersed throughout the ingredients.
  • Cover the crockpot and select the cooking time. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until all layers are heated through and flavors meld beautifully.
  • Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the crushed tortilla chips along with half of the shredded cheese, mixing well until incorporated.
  • Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese. Cover the crockpot and allow the cheese to melt, about 15-20 minutes, before serving.

Notes

Serve with optional toppings for added flavor.
Keyword beef, casserole, crockpot, easy, taco