Description
This easy Crock Pot Taco Casserole is a cheesy, hearty, dump-and-go slow cooker dinner packed with classic taco flavors, tender beef, and crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for busy family nights or casual get-togethers!
Ingredients
For the Taco Meat:
- 2 pounds 85/15 lean ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) jar chunky salsa
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon mild chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Taco Casserole:
- 1 (15 oz) can mild red enchilada sauce (about 2 cups)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 10 ounces sturdy corn tortilla chips
Optional Toppings:
Chopped tomato, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, hot sauce
Instructions
1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, add ground beef, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine and break the beef into small crumbles.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
3. Once done, drain most of the liquid and stir the beef to break it into small pieces.
4. Add enchilada sauce, black beans, 1 cup cheese, and tortilla chips. Stir gently to combine without crushing the chips too much.
5. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheese. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or sour cream.
Notes
Use thick tortilla chips to keep them from getting soggy.
Drain the beef mixture before adding the enchilada sauce to prevent excess liquid.
Add jalapeños or spicy salsa for extra heat.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 535 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 619 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg