Description

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering. It layers seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and tortilla strips in a slow cooker, resulting in a comforting Tex-Mex casserole topped with melted shredded cheese. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully and keeps the meal warm and ready to serve.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 oz taco seasoning
14.5 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
15 oz black beans, drained
15 oz corn, drained
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
6 small tortillas, cut into strips

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onions to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook an additional minute until fragrant.
Add seasoning and tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well and remove the skillet from heat.
Assemble in slow cooker: In the slow cooker, start by layering half of the salsa, then half the tortilla strips, followed by half the beef mixture. Next, add all the black beans and corn. Repeat the layering with the remaining beef mixture, tortilla strips, and salsa on top.
Slow cook the casserole: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through thoroughly.
Add cheese and melt: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the casserole. Cover and let the cheese melt until bubbly and creamy.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add chopped jalapeños to the layering.
To keep this dish gluten-free, ensure the tortillas used are corn tortillas labeled gluten-free.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the assembled casserole with cheese for 3-5 minutes instead of melting cheese in the slow cooker.