Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? Look no further! This Easy Crockpot Mexican Casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine coming home to a bubbling, cheesy, and incredibly delicious Mexican-inspired dish that practically cooks itself – no culinary skills required! Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves hassle-free cooking, this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, flavor-packed meal that will transport your taste buds straight to a Mexican fiesta!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 jar salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain the black beans and corn, and set them aside. Make sure to have your ground beef, salsa, shredded cheese, chili powder, and salt ready for use.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Once the ground beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This will help keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- In the crockpot, combine the cooked ground beef, drained black beans, drained corn, jar of salsa, chili powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the mixture in the crockpot, and gently fold it in to combine it with the other ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After 4 hours of cooking, check the casserole. If it looks bubbly and heated through, it’s ready for the final step.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the casserole. Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, carefully remove the lid and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Easy Crockpot Mexican Casserole warm, garnished with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Tips
- Meat Matters: For the best flavor, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 works great) to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Drain, Drain, Drain: Make sure to thoroughly drain the black beans and corn to prevent your casserole from becoming watery.
- Cheese Hack: For extra flavor, use a blend of Mexican cheeses instead of just one type of shredded cheese.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your preferred heat level. Add some cayenne or hot sauce if you like it spicy!
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare it in advance and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to add freshness and texture.
- Slow Cooker Tip: Every slow cooker is slightly different, so check the casserole occasionally to ensure it's not overcooking.Pro Tip: For a complete meal, serve with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
