Description

This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is combined with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers, then slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and served with your favorite toppings, this casserole is an easy, comforting dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed

Vegetables

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chopped bell peppers (mix of colors)

Seasoning

1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)

Dairy

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat before proceeding.
Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet (or homemade mix) into the beef and cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the seasoned beef to your slow cooker. Add rinsed black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chopped bell peppers. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
Cook the casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, allowing the ingredients to blend and cook through.
Add cheese topping: Approximately 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again until the cheese melts completely.
Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and serve hot with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans.
Use low sodium canned beans and tomatoes to reduce salt content.
Feel free to add other veggies like onions or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a fuller meal.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
Category: Main Course, Casserole
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, taco casserole, ground beef, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner, Mexican casserole