This Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is a fun twist on comfort food! It’s packed with crispy hashbrowns, tasty taco meat, cheese, and your choice of toppings.
It’s so easy to make—just throw everything in the crock pot and let it work its magic! I love adding extra cheese on top right before serving. Who can resist that gooey goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: This dish is versatile! I usually go for ground turkey for a leaner option, but you can use whatever you prefer. Veggie ground meat or beans are great substitutes too for a meatless version.
Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet or make your own with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. If low sodium is important to you, homemade is the way to go!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis: This adds a nice kick! If you want less heat, use regular diced tomatoes. For an extra boost of flavor, toss in some fresh diced jalapeños instead.
Frozen Hash Browns: These are super convenient. But if you have fresh potatoes, you can shred them yourself! Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before adding them to the mix.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack pair beautifully, but feel free to swap in your favorites! Pepper Jack can add a spicy twist, or a dairy-free cheese works if you need a vegan option.
How Do You Cook the Ground Meat to Perfection?
Cooking the ground beef or turkey properly sets the foundation for this casserole. The goal is to brown the meat well, which enhances the flavor with a nice caramelization.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks.
- Cook until it’s browned all the way through, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess grease so your casserole isn’t too greasy.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
These steps ensure your meat is juicy and flavorful, making the casserole irresistible!
How to Make Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 oz), drained
- 1 bag frozen hash browns (28 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you want a comforting meal ready at dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess grease from the meat to keep the dish light and tasty.
2. Add the Seasoning:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let this cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can blend together nicely. Then, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen hash browns, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, diced onion, bell pepper (if you’re using it), and the cooked meat mixture. Stir everything together until it’s well-combined. Taste it and season with salt and pepper as you like!
4. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Before adding the mixture, lightly spray the inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray or rub it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. This step will help make cleanup easier!
5. Combine and Cook:
Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared Crock Pot, spreading it out evenly. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until everything is hot and the hash browns are cooked through.
6. Melt the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top of the casserole. Cover again and let the cheese melt perfectly into that cheesy goodness!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked and cheesy, serve your Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole warm and enjoy! It’s a fun, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Can I Use Fresh Hash Browns Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can! If using fresh hash browns, be sure to par-cook them for about 5-10 minutes in boiling water or pan-fry them until just tender before adding them to the casserole. This will help ensure they cook evenly in the Crock Pot.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you need a substitute for sour cream, consider using Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tang. You can also use cream cheese, but be sure to slightly soften it first for easier mixing.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it in individual portions or warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef or turkey with a meat alternative like black beans or lentils, and make sure the taco seasoning is vegetarian-friendly. Additionally, you can load up on extra veggies for more flavor and texture!
