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Easy slow cooker taco casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, tortillas, and toppings for a delicious and simple weeknight dinner.

Crazy Good Taco Casserole

This easy slow cooker taco casserole is the perfect weeknight meal. It's packed with flavor, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, and crispy tortilla chips create a comforting and satisfying dish that's ready with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cooking spray
  • Optional: Sour cream, for topping
  • Optional: Salsa, for topping
  • Optional: Guacamole, for topping
  • Optional: Chopped cilantro, for topping
  • Optional: Diced onions, for topping

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener
  • Colander
  • Cooking spray
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning according to package directions. Usually, this involves adding a little water and simmering for a few minutes.
  3. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.
  4. Layer about half of the tortilla chips on the bottom of the slow cooker. Break them into smaller pieces if needed to fit snugly.
  5. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, half of the black beans, half of the corn, and half of the diced tomatoes and green chilies.
  6. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
  7. Repeat the layers: tortilla chips, ground beef mixture, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and shredded cheese.
  8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  9. Carefully remove the taco casserole from the slow cooker.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings.

Notes

For a spicier casserole, use pepper jack cheese or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture. To prevent sogginess, ensure all ingredients are well-drained before layering. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the oven, microwave, or skillet. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Consider adding diced bell peppers or onions to the ground beef while browning for added flavor and nutrition.