Slow Cooker Taco Casserole Recipe
This Slow Cooker Taco Casserole is a hands-off, hearty dinner perfect for weeknights or meal prep. Layers of seasoned ground chicken or turkey, beans, vegetables, tortillas, and melty cheese come together in a cheesy, flavorful casserole that the whole family will love.
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Servings: 8
Equipment
- 5-quart slow cooker or larger
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
For the Meat and Veggies:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 large green bell pepper diced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- ⅛ –¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, adjust for heat
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans 15 oz each diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 cup grated carrots
Assembly:
- 6 medium whole wheat flour tortillas cut or layered
- 2 cups reduced-fat shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend, divided
- Optional toppings: diced avocado chopped cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa
Instructions
- Cook Meat and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, onion, and bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is cooked through and excess liquid evaporates, about 8 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Tomatoes: Mix in black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and carrots. Cook 3–5 minutes until tomatoes break down slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat.
- Layer in Slow Cooker: Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray. Layer 1 ½ cups of the meat-vegetable mixture on the bottom, then 2 tortillas, then ½ cup cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, reserving ½ cup cheese for the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until heated through.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on high 5–10 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Cut into slices and serve warm with optional toppings like avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or salsa.
Notes
- Meat Options: Ground chicken or turkey is leaner than beef and works beautifully.
- Tortilla Layering: Overlap tortillas slightly to prevent gaps. Corn tortillas can be used for gluten-free option.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meat-vegetable mixture in advance and layer in the slow cooker just before cooking.
- Meal Prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the slow cooker or microwave.