Slow Cooker Taco Casserole (Printable Version)
A comforting blend of seasoned beef, beans and cheese layered with tortillas that cooks to perfection in your slow cooker.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Meat
01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Seasonings
04 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
→ Canned Goods
05 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
06 - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
08 - 1 cup salsa
→ Dairy
09 - 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
→ Tortillas
10 - 6 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into strips
→ Garnish
11 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
12 - Sour cream for serving
13 - Sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)
14 - Diced avocado (optional, for serving)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
02 - Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice) and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
05 - Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
06 - Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of the slow cooker. Place a layer of tortilla strips over the salsa. Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas. Add half of the black beans and half of the corn. Add another layer of tortilla strips, followed by the remaining beef mixture, black beans, and corn.
07 - Top with the remaining tortilla strips and pour the remaining salsa over the top.
08 - Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
09 - About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top of the casserole. Cover and let the cheese melt.
10 - Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and diced avocado, if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Perfect for busy weeknights with only 15 minutes of prep time
- Combines familiar taco flavors in a convenient casserole form
- Creates minimal dishes with most cooking done in the slow cooker
- Easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings
02 -
- Excellent for meal prep since flavors actually improve over time
- Can be made vegetarian by replacing beef with extra beans or plant based ground
- Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in individual portions
03 -
- Allow the cheese to melt with the cover on for the last 15 minutes rather than removing the lid to preserve moisture
- For crispier tortilla edges, briefly toast the tortilla strips in the oven before adding them to the slow cooker
- Replace half the ground beef with chorizo for an extra flavor dimension