Description
This Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese soup, and crispy hashbrowns, all slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with melted taco-style cheese, it makes a comforting and easy weeknight meal with a tasty southwestern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 10.5 oz cheddar cheese soup
- 30 oz frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 2 cups shredded taco style cheese, divided
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the minced garlic until the beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the browned ground beef, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese soup, frozen shredded hashbrowns, and 1 cup of the shredded taco style cheese. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasoning and cheese soup coat the hashbrowns and beef evenly.
- Prepare the crock pot: Lightly grease a 6-quart crock pot or crock pot casserole dish. Pour the mixed ingredients evenly into the crock pot.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded taco style cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 2.5 hours, until the hashbrowns are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional broiling: If your crock pot is oven-safe, place it under the oven broiler on high for approximately 90 seconds to brown and crisp the cheese topping for an extra appetizing finish. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can substitute taco seasoning with homemade blend for more control over sodium and spices.
- Using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced can enhance the flavor.
- If your crock pot is not oven-safe, skip the broiling step and enjoy it as is.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Adding chopped onions or bell peppers during browning of beef can add extra vegetables and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 2.5 hours on high
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Taco casserole, hashbrown casserole, slow cooker recipes, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, crock pot meals
