Description
This flavorful and hearty slow cooker taco casserole combines lean ground beef, sweet corn, creamy black beans, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chiles, layered with soft flour tortillas and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal, this dish balances smoky spices with fresh ingredients for a satisfying comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 15 ounces corn (frozen or fresh)
- 15 ounces black beans, cooked
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chiles
Dry Ingredients and Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Other
- 4 flour tortillas
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked ground beef, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add chili powder, salt, cumin, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Generously spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- First Layer: Spread one-third of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer. Then, lay two flour tortillas over the cheese, overlapping slightly to cover the entire surface.
- Second Layer: Repeat layering with another third of the beef mixture, one-third of the cheese, and two more tortillas.
- Final Layer: Spread the remaining beef mixture on top of the tortillas and finish with the last third of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a golden, melty top layer.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 4 to 6 hours until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Alternative Baking Method: To bake instead of slow cooking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer the ingredients in the same way as described above. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to maintain a good balance of moisture and flavor.
- Frozen or fresh corn kernels both work well for adding sweet crunch.
- Cooked black beans provide creaminess and protein, balancing the spices.
- Overlap tortillas slightly to cover all layers fully.
- Cooking times vary depending on slow cooker wattage; check casserole doneness by melted cheese and heat through.
- For added toppings, serve with sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro if desired.
