This Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is a warm, hearty dish filled with hashbrowns, taco meat, and cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something easy and delicious!
I’ll be honest, it smells so good while cooking that I start getting hungry before it’s even ready! Pair it with some fresh salsa or avocado on top, and you’re in for a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (or Turkey): I like to use ground turkey for a leaner option, but beef gives a rich flavor. If you’re vegetarian, try using black beans or lentils to maintain protein in the dish.
Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning is super convenient. You can also make your own blend at home using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for a fresher taste.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess, but for a healthier twist, try swapping in a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Frozen Hash Browns: Shredded hash browns work best here. If you don’t have those, consider using grated potatoes or even a different kind of frozen potato. Just make sure they aren’t seasoned!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is my go-to for its bold flavor. You could substitute with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or even a dairy-free cheese for lactose-free needs.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Turns Out Perfectly Creamy and Flavorful?
A key step to get that creamy goodness is mixing the sauce ingredients well. Ensure you combine the soup, tomatoes, and sour cream thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, and sour cream in a large bowl first.
- Mix in your cooked meat and seasonings thoroughly to distribute the taco flavor evenly.
- When adding the hash browns and cheese, stir gently but thoroughly to avoid clumping.
Lastly, don’t skip on the cooking time. The longer cook time allows all the ingredients to blend and flavors deepen, resulting in a truly comforting casserole!
How to Make Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 bag (30 ounces) frozen hash browns (shredded)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, diced (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-8 hours of cooking time if using a slow cooker (3-4 hours on high). So, plan for a cozy cooking day or a few hours of delicious anticipation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning. Set this tasty mix aside for later.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, drained diced tomatoes, and sour cream. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. Then, add your cooked taco meat to this mixture and mix it all together until well combined.
3. Combine with Hash Browns and Cheese:
Now, add the frozen hash browns and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to your mixing bowl. Carefully stir until everything is evenly combined. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste!
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Next, take your greased slow cooker and pour in the mixture. Spread it out evenly using a spatula or spoon. This makes sure every bit cooks through nicely.
5. Top with More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole mixture. This will make it cheesy and delicious when it’s done!
6. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro if you’d like. Then serve your hearty casserole warm. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey is a great substitute for beef in this recipe, keeping the dish leaner while still flavorful. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink and follow the same instructions for adding the taco seasoning.
What if I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No problem! You can use a can of cream of mushroom soup or make your own homemade version using milk, flour, and chicken broth for a creamy base. Just mix equal parts to achieve a similar consistency!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables to This Casserole?
Yes, feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even black beans for an extra boost of nutrition! Just be sure to sauté any fresh veggies before adding them to the mixture to ensure they’re cooked through.
