Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the ultimate comfort food that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the convenience of a slow cooker! This Crock Pot Hearty Taco Casserole is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, and a crispy tortilla chip topping that delivers a perfect crunch in every single bite. Whether you're a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or just someone who loves delicious food with minimal effort, this recipe is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat completely.
- Transfer browned ground beef to the crock pot and add drained black beans, diced tomatoes, and entire packet of taco seasoning. Stir ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning distribution.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting. Allow mixture to cook slowly for 3-4 hours, which will help develop rich, deep flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, crush tortilla chips into medium-sized pieces and layer them across the top of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla chip layer, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm casserole.
- Once cooking is complete, use a large spoon to serve portions, ensuring each serving gets a mix of meat, beans, and crispy chip topping.
- Garnish individual servings with optional toppings like a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a healthier alternative.
- Make sure to drain the black beans and ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.
- If you like heat, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- For crispy tortilla chips, add them only in the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for varied flavors.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep—it reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!
- Don't skip the resting time after cooking; it helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
