Description
This slow cooker taco casserole is a comforting and flavorful layered dish combining seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, creamy black beans, zesty diced tomatoes with green chiles, flour tortillas, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it delivers authentic taco-inspired flavors with minimal prep and cooks slowly to meld the ingredients into a cheesy, savory casserole that’s perfect for families or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Beans
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 15 ounces black beans, cooked
Vegetables and Vegetables Mixtures
- 15 ounces corn (frozen or fresh)
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Other Ingredients
- 4 flour tortillas
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray (for greasing slow cooker or baking dish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ground beef, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add chili powder, salt, cumin, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Generously spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer First Portion: Spread one-third of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then place two flour tortillas over the cheese, slightly overlapping to cover fully.
- Repeat Layers: Add another third of the beef mixture over the tortillas, sprinkle with another third of the cheese, then layer two more flour tortillas on top.
- Final Layer: Spread the remaining beef mixture over the tortillas and top with the final third of shredded cheese to create the top cheesy layer.
- Slow Cook: Cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through completely.
- Alternative Baking Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Repeat the layering steps in the dish as described above. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef keeps the casserole moist without excess grease.
- If you prefer, you can substitute corn tortillas for a different texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level.
- Make sure beans are cooked and drained to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- The slow cooker method is perfect for busy days; just layer and forget until dinner time.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
