Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
The Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Combining the flavors of tacos with the creamy texture of hashbrowns, this dish is both hearty and flavorful. It’s a perfect recipe for busy days when you need a “set-it-and-forget-it” meal. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and when you return, you have a delicious, warm meal ready to enjoy.
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef.
- Mixing bowls: To combine ingredients.
- Spatula: For mixing and serving.
- Cheese grater: If you’re grating fresh cheese.
Preparing the Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect taco-inspired hashbrown casserole:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the meat browns, break it apart using a spatula. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Sprinkle the beef with the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- 1 bag of frozen hashbrowns
- Cooked, seasoned ground beef
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced onion and bell pepper (optional)
Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Add to the Crock Pot
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Then, pour the hashbrown mixture into the crock pot, spreading it out evenly.
Slow Cook
Set your crock pot on low heat and cook the casserole for 4-5 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The potatoes should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Add More Cheese (Optional)
About 15 minutes before the casserole is done, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Cover and let it melt to perfection.
Serve
Once fully cooked, turn off the crock pot, and let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, and tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Customizing Your Hashbrown Casserole
One of the great things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
1. Use Different Meats
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- You can also use shredded chicken or pulled pork to change up the flavor profile.
2. Vegetarian Option
- Skip the meat altogether and add more vegetables, like zucchini, corn, or black beans, for a vegetarian version.
- Use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegan-friendly version (don’t forget to replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free option).
3. Spicy Additions
- If you like heat, add diced jalapeños or use spicy Rotel tomatoes.
- You can also add a few shakes of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Cheesy Twist
- Mix up the cheeses! Use a blend of Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor.
- If you want an extra-cheesy casserole, simply increase the amount of cheese by a cup.
Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcook
Since slow cookers vary, keep an eye on your casserole during the last hour of cooking. Overcooking can result in mushy potatoes, so check for tenderness earlier if needed.
2. Fresh or Frozen Potatoes
While frozen hashbrowns work perfectly, you can also use freshly grated potatoes. If you choose to go fresh, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing them into the casserole.
3. Stirring the Mixture
It’s important to fully mix the ingredients before adding them to the crock pot to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
4. Crisping Up the Top
For an extra-crispy top layer, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish at the end and broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This step is optional but adds a great texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions
The Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is a meal on its own, but here are some great serving ideas to make it even more satisfying:
- Serve with a side salad: A simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado complements the richness of the casserole.
- Add some salsa or guacamole: Fresh salsa or homemade guacamole brings out the Mexican flavors.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips: Adding crunchy tortilla chips gives an extra textural element to each bite.
- Serve with tortillas: You can also spoon the casserole into soft tortillas for a taco-style meal.
Storing and Reheating
Storage
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- To reheat, place portions in the microwave and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Freezing
- This casserole also freezes well. To freeze, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator the night before and reheat as needed.
Conclusion
The Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious, hearty, and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. The flavors of tacos combined with the comforting texture of hashbrowns make for an irresistible meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to impress guests at a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. The best part? The crock pot does all the work, so you can relax and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole without meat?
Yes! You can easily omit the meat and replace it with beans or additional vegetables for a vegetarian version.
2. Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from fresh potatoes to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Just store individual portions in airtight containers.
4. What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a homemade version if you prefer.
5. How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns (shredded or diced)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Tortilla chips (for serving, optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the seasoning is well mixed with the meat. Remove from heat.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
- Spray the inside of your Crock Pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the frozen hashbrowns as the bottom layer.
- Add the taco-seasoned ground beef on top of the hashbrowns.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, and frozen corn. Spread evenly.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the casserole ingredients in the Crock Pot.
4. Cook in the Crock Pot:
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the casserole is hot and the hashbrowns are tender.
5. Add the Final Cheese Layer:
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Once done, spoon the casserole into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro if desired.
- Serve with tortilla chips for extra crunch or as a side.