Easiest Crockpot Taco Casserole
This Crockpot Taco Casserole is a flavorful, customizable, and incredibly easy dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It combines the best parts of taco night into one convenient and crowd-pleasing meal, ready with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Can opener
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2-3 tablespoons
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8-10 ounces tortilla chips, crushed
- Shredded lettuce, for topping
- Diced tomatoes, for topping
- Sour cream, for topping
- Guacamole, for topping
- Salsa, for topping
- Olives, for topping
- Jalapenos, for topping
- Green onions, for topping
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and diced onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened.
- In a large bowl, combine the browned meat mixture, diced tomatoes (undrained), corn, black beans, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Spread a layer of crushed tortilla chips in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Pour half of the meat mixture over the tortilla chips. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add another layer of crushed tortilla chips, followed by the remaining meat mixture and the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Check for doneness based on your crockpot.
- Once cooked, remove the lid and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with your favorite toppings (shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, olives, jalapenos, green onions, etc.) and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. To prevent soggy chips, consider lightly spraying the bottom layer of chips with cooking spray. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. For a spicier casserole, add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies or some chopped jalapenos to the meat mixture.