Table of Contents
Introduction
On busy weeknights no one has so much time to spend making complex recipes. This is where the taco hashbrown casserole recipe comes into play. I love this meal for its flavorful and hearty meat packed with potatoes and flavorful taco seasonings.
Key Takeaways
- Versatile Ingredients: Taco hash brown casserole recipe can be made with different types of meat such as turkey, ground beef or chicken. This recipe also allows flexibility with your own choice of toppings and cheese.
- Storing: You can make crock pot taco casserole ahead of time. Store in an airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
How to make taco hash brown casserole?
This recipe is easy to make as it only requires browning the meat of your preferred choice and adding it in a Crock pot along with cheese, seasonings, and potatoes. After that slow cooker does its magic and in a few hours your cheesy and hearty meal is ready. Adding a few toppings such as diced tomatoes, cilantro, or sour cream enhances its flavor.
Let’s make this delicious and easy meal. I have listed required ingredients and given step by step instructions to make this hearty and flavorful taco hashbrown casserole.
Taco Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
6
servings10
minutes3
hours870
kcalKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients for taco hash brown casserole
Ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken) – 1 pound
Frozen shredded hash browns – 30 ounces
Rotel (or tomatoes with green chiles, drained) – 10.5 ounces
Cheese soup – 10.5 ounces
Packet taco seasoning – 1 ounce
Mexican blend shredded cheese – 2 cups
Step by Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Take your preferred choice of meat such as turkey, beef or chicken. Brown it over medium heat in a medium sauté pan. To enhance the flavor , add seasonings such as chopped onion, minced garlic, or a pinch of salt. Once it is fully cooked and browned, take out the meat and drain any excess oil from it.
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Now put the browned meat in a Crock pot and add taco seasonings, cheese soup, shredded hash browns, and drained Rotel or tomatoes with green chillies to it. Combine all the ingredients by stirring them thoroughly. Add half of the shredded Mexican blend cheese in it and mix it. This adds creaminess to the dish. Finally, spread your mixture evenly and then sprinkle the leftover shredded cheese over the top of it to make a cheesy layer.
- Cook the Dish: Cover the Crock pot with lid and choose the setting for cooking. Cook it at a low setting for 4 to 5 hours or at high setting for 3 to 4 hours. During cooking, the potatoes will soften and cheese will melt gracefully, ultimately all the flavors will combine to make the meal delicious and tasty.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your ground beef hash brown casserole or taco hashbrown casserole dish is cooked, turn off the Crock pot. Allow it to rest for a few minutes and then garnish it with toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced jalapeños, or sour cream. Serve and enjoy your cheesy and hearty crockpot taco casserole.
Chef Recommendations
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Instead of using pre-shredded cheese, shred your own cheese to get the best melting and flavor. This is because anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can affect the texture of the meal.
- Do not skip Browning the Meat: Do not skip browning the meat before adding it to the Crock pot. Browning prevents excess grease from collecting in the casserole and enhances the flavor of the taco hashbrown casserole.
- Add Toppings for extra flavor: Enhance the flavor of your dish with toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, green onions, or diced tomatoes. You can also squeeze the lime over your dish to balance its richness and flavor.
The Nutritional Benefits
Vitamins and Minerals: Crock pot taco casserole dish contains green chiles and tomatoes which are good sources of potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. These vitamins and minerals reduce inflammation and support immune health.
High in Protein: The meat used in this recipe is rich in protein which is beneficial for muscle growth and repair.
Source of Energy: crockpot taco casserole recipe contains potatoes which are rich in carbohydrates. They are a good source of energy and keep you active throughout the day.
Rich in Calcium: The cheese in the crock pot taco casserole recipe contains calcium. Calcium supports bone health.
FAQs
Do I have to thaw frozen hash browns for casserole?
You do not need to thaw frozen hash browns for casserole. Add the frozen hash browns directly into the Crock pot and stir them thoroughly with other ingredients.
What goes with hashbrown casserole?
You can pair hashbrown casserole with corn, salad, or beans. This meal can also be served as a standalone dish because it is a complete hearty and delicious meal.
