Description
This Crockpot Taco Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender hash browns, melted cheese, and creamy soup. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection, this casserole offers a customizable taco twist with optional toppings like jalapeños and sour cream.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1.5 to 2 lbs Ground Beef or any ground meat of choice
- 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning, divided in half
- 1/4 cup Water for taco meat
Vegetables and Base
- 26 oz Bag of Frozen Shredded Hash Browns, partially thawed
- 1 cup Salsa (store-bought or homemade)
Dairy and Creamy Ingredients
- 4 cups Shredded Cheese (divided in half, using sharp cheddar and pepper jack recommended)
- 10.5 oz Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
Optional Toppings
- Tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Lettuce
- Olives
- Sour Cream
- Hot Sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Season the Meat: Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water to the browned beef. Stir well and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the seasoning to fully incorporate.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Place the partially thawed shredded hash browns into the crockpot. Add the cooked beef mixture, 1 cup salsa, 2 cups shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine evenly.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW setting for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 2½ hours, until the casserole is bubbly and the hash browns are tender.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Cooking: About 30 minutes before cooking time ends, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the casserole hot with your favorite optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, lettuce, olives, extra sour cream, or hot sauce. Enjoy your comforting taco-inspired hash brown casserole!
Notes
- Customize it by adding a can of black beans, corn, green chiles, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Frozen cubed hash browns can substitute shredded hash browns if preferred or available.
- Use hot salsa, pepper jack cheese, or extra jalapeños to add spiciness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg