Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole
There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy, and flavorful casserole to bring the family together for a satisfying meal. This Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole combines the best of both worlds—classic taco flavors and the comforting, creamy texture of hashbrowns. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is a stress-free way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences, making it spicier, creamier, or even adding in extra veggies for a nutritious twist. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover taco meat, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful, cheesy, and delicious casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Free: Just mix, dump, and let your slow cooker do all the work.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A comforting combination of cheesy goodness and bold taco flavors.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully for quick meals throughout the week.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Perfect Pairings
This Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh side salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette.
- Guacamole and tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
- Mexican-style street corn for an extra flavorful side dish.
- A refreshing margarita or a cool glass of horchata to balance the richness.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
- Don’t thaw the hashbrowns—they cook best when added frozen.
- Experiment with toppings like crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
- For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños.
Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 30 oz bag frozen hashbrowns shredded
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions jalapeños, diced tomatoes, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salsa, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Shred the hash browns either by grating or dicing. Stir in the hashbrowns and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, then fold in the cooked taco-seasoned beef.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased slow cooker and spread evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the hashbrowns are tender and the casserole is bubbly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Absolutely! Just shred them and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat for black beans or a meat alternative, and use cream of mushroom soup instead.
Variations & Alternatives
- Make it spicier: Use pepper jack cheese, add chili flakes, or swap regular salsa for a hot version.
- Make it milder: Use mild taco seasoning and a mild cheese blend.
- Try a different meat: Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even chorizo would work beautifully.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in some cream cheese for added richness.
- Low-carb version: Swap the hashbrowns for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly twist.
This Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this cheesy and satisfying dish will quickly become a favorite. Give it a try and let us know how you customize yours!
