Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cups diced potatoes (about 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare Crock Pot:
- Grease the inside of your crock pot to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In the crock pot, combine the cooked ground beef, diced potatoes, taco seasoning, and undrained diced tomatoes. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Cook in the Crock Pot:
- Cover the crock pot and cook the mixture on low for 4-5 hours or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Top with Shredded Cheese:
- About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover and let it melt.
- Serve:
- Once the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted, it’s ready to be served. Spoon the Crock Pot Beefy Potatoes Taco Casserole onto plates or into bowls.
- Optional Toppings:
- Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy:
- Serve this delicious and easy Crock Pot Beefy Potatoes Taco Casserole for a flavorful and satisfying dinner. Enjoy the hearty combination of seasoned beef, potatoes, and melted cheese!
Note:
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Salsa, guacamole, or diced avocado would also make tasty additions.
- For added spice, you can include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Adjust the taco seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the crock pot?
A: Greasing the inside of the crock pot before adding the ingredients can help prevent sticking. You can also use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
Q3: Can I prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate it before cooking?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and assemble the casserole in the crock pot in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then cook as directed when ready.
Q4: Can I freeze leftovers of this taco casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the casserole to cool, then store it in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
A: Certainly! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses for the topping. Pepper jack, Mexican blend, or a sharp cheddar would work well.
Q6: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or corn for added flavor and texture. Include them when combining the ingredients in the crock pot.
Q7: Can I cook this casserole on high instead of low for a shorter time?
A: While it’s recommended to cook on low for optimal tenderness, you can cook on high for a shorter time, but monitor it closely to prevent overcooking.
Q8: What other toppings do you recommend besides the optional ones mentioned in the recipe?
A: Salsa, guacamole, diced avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are great additional toppings to enhance the flavor of the casserole.