Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that's as simple to prepare as it is packed with flavor? Look no further than our Crock Pot Taco Hamburger Casserole! This mouthwatering Mexican-inspired recipe combines the hearty goodness of ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and a medley of colorful ingredients, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. In just over five hours, you’ll have a comforting, cheesy casserole that serves up to six people, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Trust us, once you try this easy and delicious recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the browned ground beef and stir thoroughly to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly spraying the interior with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the seasoned ground beef to the bottom of the crock pot as the first layer.
- Drain the black beans and corn, then add them directly on top of the ground beef layer.
- Pour the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies over the beans and corn, spreading evenly.
- Add the pre-cooked rice as the next layer, spreading it gently to cover the previous ingredients.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese as the final layer, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
- Cover the crock pot and set to cook on low heat for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can brown the ground beef and prepare the other ingredients the night before. Just store them in the fridge and layer them in the crock pot in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
- Customize Your Layers: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the ground beef before adding to the crock pot.
- Cheese Choices: While shredded cheese is a must, experiment with different types such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend for a creamier texture.
- Make It Spicy: If you love heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the layers for an extra kick.
- Serve with Toppings: Elevate your casserole by serving it with toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- Leftovers: This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping. Just reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 445kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 67mg
