Description
This Crockpot Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is combined with frozen potatoes, cheese soup, salsa, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, this casserole offers a comforting blend of cheesy and savory Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
Main Ingredients
- 30 ounces frozen diced potatoes (preferably with peppers and onions)
- 10.5 ounces condensed cheese soup
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid to reduce fat.
- Add Seasoning and Broth: Stir in the beef broth, minced garlic, and taco seasoning into the cooked beef. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring to combine the flavors well.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add the frozen diced potatoes, condensed cheese soup, salsa, and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything together to mix evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on the low setting of your slow cooker for 2 to 3 hours until the potatoes are tender and everything is heated through.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole. Cover and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the casserole onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Drain the beef well after browning to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Frozen diced potatoes with peppers and onions add extra flavor, but plain frozen potatoes work as well.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the mixture before slow cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the taco seasoning and cheese soup are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
