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- 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 packet taco seasoning The main ingredients are the base of your taco casserole. Ground turkey or beef gives it a hearty taste. Black beans and corn add texture and nutrition. Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a nice kick. The taco seasoning ties all these flavors together. - 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (brown or white) - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup salsa - 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green for color) - 1 cup onion, diced - Salt and pepper to taste Now let's add some extra goodness. Cooked rice makes it filling. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a creamy layer. Salsa gives it that zesty punch. Bell peppers and onions add crunch and color. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. - Sour cream - Avocado slices - Fresh cilantro These toppings make your casserole shine. Sour cream adds a cool creaminess. Avocado slices bring a rich flavor. Fresh cilantro gives a fresh touch. Feel free to mix and match these toppings to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one pound of ground turkey or beef. Cook it until it is no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. While cooking, season the meat with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, drain any excess fat. This step keeps the casserole from becoming greasy. Next, transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker. Now, add all the other ingredients. You will need: - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (brown or white) - 1 cup salsa - 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green for color) - 1 cup onion, diced Stir everything together well. This mixes all the flavors and makes each bite tasty. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You have two options here. For a slow and steady cook, set it on low for 4 to 6 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 2 to 3 hours. About 20 minutes before you serve, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover it again until the cheese melts. When ready, give the casserole a gentle stir. It’s now ready to enjoy! Seasoning is key in any dish. For this taco casserole, use salt and pepper wisely. You want to bring out the flavors of your ingredients. Taco seasoning adds a hit of spice. I recommend trying a mix of spices if you want more depth. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Use ripe tomatoes and crisp bell peppers. They add great taste and color. If you can, go for organic veggies. They often have better flavor. Garnishing elevates your dish. Top your casserole with a dollop of sour cream. Add sliced avocado for creaminess. Fresh cilantro gives it a nice pop of color. Pair the casserole with a simple salad. A crisp green salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with warm bread for a hearty meal. Prep your ingredients in advance. Chop the bell peppers and onions the night before. This saves time on busy days. You can also brown the meat ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. If you have leftovers, freezing is a great option. Portion them into containers. This way, you can enjoy your casserole later. Just remember to label them with the date for easy tracking. Pro Tips Use Lean Meat: Opt for ground turkey or lean beef to keep the casserole healthy without sacrificing flavor. Customize Your Beans: Feel free to swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans depending on your taste preference. Layering Flavors: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for an extra depth of flavor that enhances the taco seasoning. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then simply set it in the slow cooker in the morning for an easy meal. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the meat in this dish. Using chicken instead of turkey or beef works great. Chicken brings a lighter taste. It also absorbs the taco flavors well. You can also choose different beans or grains. Instead of black beans, try pinto or kidney beans. You could use quinoa or farro instead of rice. These swaps add unique flavors and textures. To boost the flavor, add more spices or sauces. Try extra chili powder or cumin for heat. A splash of hot sauce can make it exciting. You can also mix in your favorite salsa for added zest. Incorporate more veggies for a colorful dish. Zucchini or spinach are excellent choices. They cook down nicely and add nutrients. Plus, they blend well with the other ingredients. For plant-based options, substitute meat with lentils or black beans. These add protein and fiber. They also soak up the delicious taco spices. If you want to go vegan, use dairy-free cheese. Brands like Daiya or Violife melt nicely. They provide that cheesy flavor without animal products. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole! To store your taco casserole, use an air-tight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Let the casserole cool before sealing it. It lasts up to four days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just take it out and reheat. If you want to freeze portions, divide the casserole into small containers. Label them with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, move a portion to the fridge for several hours or overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave. You can safely reheat in the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. If you use the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place the casserole in a dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This way, it warms up nicely. Yes, you can! To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey or beef for plant-based meat, such as lentils or crumbled tofu. Use black beans as your main protein. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. These will give texture and flavor. Make sure to choose a taco seasoning that is vegetarian-friendly. This way, you get all the taste without the meat. There are many ways to add spice! You can add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat. If you like a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. If you prefer fresh herbs, cilantro or fresh lime juice can brighten the dish. Just be careful; add a little at a time. You can always taste and adjust as you go. This dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado is a great choice. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch. A side of Mexican rice or guacamole complements the flavors nicely. If you like something warm, consider cornbread. These sides will make your meal even more enjoyable. This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty taco casserole. I shared key ingredients like ground turkey, black beans, and fresh veggies. You learned how to prepare the meat and mix flavors in a slow cooker. We discussed tips for the best taste and how to store leftovers properly. Enjoy experimenting with variations, like meat swaps or cooking methods. This dish is easy and fun to make. Now, gather your ingredients and create something delicious today.

Hearty Slow Cooker Taco Casserole

A delicious and filling taco casserole made in a slow cooker, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1.5 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced (red and green for color)
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, cilantro

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey or beef until it's no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
  • Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker.
  • Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, cooked rice, salsa, diced bell peppers, and diced onion to the slow cooker.
  • Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  • About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole and cover until melted.
  • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, give the casserole a gentle stir before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the slow cooker, garnished with dollops of sour cream, slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Keyword casserole, hearty, slow cooker, taco