Taco Hashbrown Casserole in the Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In the crock pot, add the frozen hashbrowns, cooked ground beef mixture, diced tomatoes and green chiles, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.
- Add Final Touches:
- 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
- Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, stir the casserole and serve hot.
Benefits of Taco Hashbrown Casserole
- Convenient: The crock pot does most of the work, freeing up your time for other activities.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of hashbrowns, seasoned beef, and cheese is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or salsa.
- Economical: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and freezer.
- Comforting: Warm and cheesy, this casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Q & A
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns? A: Yes, you can. Simply shred the potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the crock pot.
Q: What can I use instead of cheddar cheese soup? A: You can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce or use a can of condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup for a different flavor.
Q: How can I make this casserole spicier? A: Add extra diced jalapeños, use hot taco seasoning, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ingredients in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to cook, place the insert in the crock pot and follow the cooking instructions.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Easy and Flavorful Taco Hashbrown Casserole in the Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrowns
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
- Prepare the Crock Pot:
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In the crock pot, add the frozen hashbrowns, cooked ground beef mixture, diced tomatoes and green chiles, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.
- Add Final Touches:
- 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the casserole.
- Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Once cooked, stir the casserole and serve hot.
Benefits of Taco Hashbrown Casserole
- Convenient: The crock pot does most of the work, freeing up your time for other activities.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of hashbrowns, seasoned beef, and cheese is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or salsa.
- Economical: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you might already have in your pantry and freezer.
- Comforting: Warm and cheesy, this casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Q & A
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns? A: Yes, you can. Simply shred the potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the crock pot.
Q: What can I use instead of cheddar cheese soup? A: You can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce or use a can of condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup for a different flavor.
Q: How can I make this casserole spicier? A: Add extra diced jalapeños, use hot taco seasoning, or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ingredients in the crock pot insert, cover, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to cook, place the insert in the crock pot and follow the cooking instructions.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Tips for Perfect Taco Hashbrown Casserole
This Taco Hashbrown Casserole is already a crowd-pleaser, but you can customize it further to suit your family’s tastes. Try these variations and tips for a unique twist on this easy dish:
1. Protein Variations:
- Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a different flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Additions:
- Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans to increase the nutritional value and add more texture.
3. Topping Ideas:
- Top with crushed tortilla chips or corn chips for added crunch just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of guacamole to enhance the flavors.
4. Spice Adjustments:
- If you prefer a milder dish, use a mild taco seasoning and omit the green chiles. For more heat, add extra chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
5. Cheese Alternatives:
- Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or a Mexican cheese blend for a richer flavor.
6. Make it a One-Pot Meal:
- Add a can of drained corn or black beans directly into the mixture to make it a complete one-pot meal.
7. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of Spanish rice or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
- Use leftovers as a filling for tacos or burritos for an easy next-day lunch.
By incorporating these variations and tips, you can tailor this Taco Hashbrown Casserole to your family’s preferences, ensuring it’s a hit every time. Enjoy the flexibility and deliciousness of this easy crock pot meal!