This Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole is a tasty mix of crispy hashbrowns, zesty taco flavors, and melted cheese. It’s like a party in a dish that cooks while you relax!
Who doesn’t love a meal that makes itself? Just toss in your ingredients, set it, and enjoy the rich cheesy goodness later. Perfect for busy days or fun gatherings! 🌮🥔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Frozen Hashbrowns: These are the base of the casserole! They save time and give a nice texture. If you don’t have hashbrowns, you can use fresh potatoes. Just peel and dice them, but remember they might need a bit longer to cook.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I often use ground turkey for a lighter option, but beef gives a heartier flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider using black beans or lentils as a protein source for the dish.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but you can mix those spices at home using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your taste!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess, but if you’re avoiding chicken products, try cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce for a similar effect.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella give great flavor and melt perfectly. However, if you’re dairy-free, there are excellent plant-based cheese options available now that can work well too.
How Do I Make Sure the Hashbrowns are Perfectly Cooked?
The key to ensuring the hashbrowns are cooked well is the cooking time in the crock pot. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours lets the flavors meld beautifully while softening the hashbrowns just right.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl before transferring to the crock pot. This way, every bite is flavorful.
- Check towards the end of the cooking time to see if the hashbrowns are soft. If not, a little more cooking time will help!
Lastly, layering the cheese at the end gives that gooey, melted topping that makes this casserole so delicious. Enjoy!
How to Make Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hashbrowns
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- sour cream
- green onions
- jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 20 minutes of prep time and will need to cook for about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. It’s a great dish that can be started in the morning and is ready by dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Onions:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your casserole nice and lean.
2. Season the Meat:
Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned meat and onion mixture. Stir everything together well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the seasoning. Once mixed, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the frozen hashbrowns, cooked meat mixture, undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, half of the cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all well combined.
4. Transfer to the Crock Pot:
Take the hashbrown mixture and transfer it into your crock pot. Spread it out evenly so that it cooks evenly.
5. Cook the Casserole:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the hashbrowns to become perfectly tender.
6. Add Cheese for Extra Flavor:
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover again and allow it to cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully serve the casserole hot. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños for that extra zing. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy taco hashbrown casserole!
Can I Use Fresh Hashbrowns Instead of Frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh hashbrowns, but they will need to be cooked first. Sauté them in a skillet until crispy before mixing them into the casserole. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you need a substitute, you can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce as a replacement. For a dairy-free option, try using a can of coconut cream mixed with a bit of vegetable broth.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Casserole Spicier?
Absolutely! To add more heat, consider using spicy taco seasoning, adding diced jalapeños to the mixture, or topping it with hot salsa before serving. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
