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Crockpot Taco Casserole Recipe

4.6 from 107 reviews

This Crockpot Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is seasoned with taco spices, combined with beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and salsa, then slow-cooked to meld the flavors perfectly. Topped with crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheese, it’s served with fresh avocado, sour cream, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime for a delicious Mexican-inspired comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 package mild taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Other Ingredients

  • 1 (15-oz) can mild red enchilada sauce
  • 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-oz) can corn kernels, drained
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 6 ounces corn tortilla chips, divided
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Toppings

  • Avocado slices
  • Sour cream
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray a 6-quart (or larger) crockpot with nonstick spray and set it aside to prevent sticking during cooking.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking it up continuously until fully browned. Drain excess grease to keep the dish lean.
  3. Add Seasonings and Mixture: Stir in diced onions, taco seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and salsa. Allow the mixture to cook for 2 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
  4. Transfer to Crockpot: Pour the meat mixture into the prepared crockpot. Add half of the tortilla chips (about 3 ounces) and 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Gently stir to combine ingredients evenly.
  5. Cook on High: Cover the crockpot and cook the casserole on HIGH for 2 hours, allowing all flavors to meld and the casserole to cook thoroughly.
  6. Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Cooking: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Top the casserole with avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, freshly chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for added freshness and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy salsa.
  • To keep it gluten-free, ensure taco seasoning and chips are certified gluten-free.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
  • Add fresh lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavors.

Keywords: Crockpot taco casserole, slow cooker taco recipe, easy taco casserole, Mexican casserole, ground beef taco, enchilada sauce recipe