Taco crock pot hashbrown casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed slow cooker recipe that combines all the bold flavors of tacos with the cozy texture of potatoes. This hearty casserole features seasoned ground beef, tender hashbrowns, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Best of all, it’s made right in your slow cooker, making it a hands-off dinner option for busy nights.
This casserole is versatile—it can be served as a weeknight family meal, brought to a potluck, or enjoyed as a game-day dish. It’s filling, kid-friendly, and easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños. If you love tacos and cheesy potato casseroles, this recipe is the perfect combination of both.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water, simmer 2 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine Rotel, cream soup, sour cream, garlic powder, corn, and beans (if using).
- Add seasoned beef, hashbrowns, and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Step 3: Load the Crock Pot
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Spread mixture evenly into crock pot.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW 5–6 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until hot and bubbly.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
- In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle Monterey Jack and remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover until melted.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, extra chili powder, or hot salsa.
- Chicken Option: Swap beef with shredded cooked chicken and use cream of chicken soup.
- Vegetarian Style: Skip the beef and double beans and corn for a hearty veggie casserole.
- Crunchy Finish: Top with crushed tortilla chips just before serving.
Cooking Notes
- For best results, thaw hashbrowns before mixing so the casserole cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcook—longer than 6 hours on low may dry out the potatoes.
- You can assemble everything ahead of time, refrigerate, and start the crock pot when ready.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with taco fixings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce.
- Serve with a side salad or Mexican rice for a full meal.
- Scoop into warm tortillas for a fun taco-style serving.
- Great for potlucks and game-day spreads.
💡 Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for creamier melting.
- Double the recipe in a larger slow cooker for feeding a crowd.
- Leftovers make great breakfast burrito filling the next morning.
- If casserole seems too thick, stir in ¼ cup milk before serving.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 870mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hashbrowns?
- Yes, but shred them and squeeze out extra moisture first.
Q2: Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes. Store cooled portions in airtight containers up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in oven.
Q3: Can I cook this overnight?
- It’s not recommended—potatoes may overcook and dry out.
Q4: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
- Yes. Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based sour cream, and cream soup alternatives.
Q5: Can I prepare it in the oven instead?
- Yes. Bake in a 9×13-inch dish at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes.
Conclusion
Taco crock pot hashbrown casserole is a warm, cheesy, and flavor-packed recipe that brings together the best of tacos and casseroles in one easy slow cooker dish. With seasoned beef, creamy potatoes, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks. Just load it into the crock pot and let it cook while you go about your day—the result is a delicious, hearty dinner everyone will love.