Get ready to indulge in a hearty and flavorful dish that will make your taste buds dance! The Crock Pot Beefy Potato Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the richness of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and zesty taco flavors—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how to transform your dinner routine into something truly special!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and dicing potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no pink remains, breaking meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning packet to browned ground beef, stirring to coat meat completely and allow spices to bloom for 1-2 minutes.
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer ingredients in the crock pot in the following order: diced potatoes on bottom, then browned seasoned beef, black beans, and corn.
- Cover and cook on low heat setting for 7-8 hours, or on high heat setting for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top and allow to melt.
- Once cooking is complete, let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, consider prepping your ingredients the night before. Dice the potatoes and rinse the black beans so everything is ready to go in the morning.
- Browning the Beef: Ensure you brown the ground beef well before adding it to the crock pot. This step enhances the flavor and gives the dish a richer taste.
- Layering is Key: When layering the ingredients in the crock pot, start with the potatoes at the bottom. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the beef and seasonings.
- Cooking Time: For the best results, cook on low heat for 7-8 hours. If you're short on time, the high heat setting works too, but keep an eye on the potatoes to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Cheese Melting: Add the shredded cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows it to melt perfectly without becoming rubbery.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
