Name: Crockpot Taco Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15); 1 jar chunky salsa (15 oz); 1 tsp granulated garlic powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp mild chili powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 can mild red enchilada sauce (15 oz); 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed; 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided; 10 oz sturdy corn tortilla chips; Optional: avocado, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, or hot sauce

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s nothing better than coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of cheesy tacos bubbling away in your crockpot. This Crockpot Taco Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights, family dinners, or game day gatherings. Imagine tender ground beef seasoned with bold Tex-Mex spices, mixed with salsa, beans, and crispy tortilla chips, all topped with melted cheese that stretches with every scoop. The best part? There’s no pre-browning or complicated prep, just a true dump-and-go recipe that lets your slow cooker do all the work. I love making this dish when I want something hearty and satisfying without standing over the stove, and every time, it disappears before the night is over.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This crockpot taco casserole is a true dump and go meal, no browning meat or extra pans required.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is pantry friendly and easy to find, perfect for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: The cheesy layers, crispy chips, and taco flavor make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for game day, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home.
Customizable Heat Level: Keep it mild or spice it up by choosing your favorite salsa and enchilada sauce.
Satisfying and Comforting: Every bite delivers the warm, melty goodness of tacos in a hearty casserole form that’s perfect for leftovers too.

This recipe stands out because the meat cooks right in the slow cooker without pre-browning, saving time while keeping all the rich, savory flavor sealed inside. It’s comfort food made effortless and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients Needed

For the Taco Meat

2 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 works best for a balance of flavor and tenderness)
1 jar chunky salsa, 15 ounces (choose thick and chunky to prevent excess liquid)
1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika can be used if needed)
½ teaspoon mild chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Taco Casserole

1 can mild red enchilada sauce, 15 ounces (about 2 cups)
1 can black beans, 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
1 and ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided for layering
10 ounces sturdy corn tortilla chips (triangle shaped chips hold up best in the crockpot)

Optional Toppings

Fresh avocado slices or easy guacamole
Chopped tomatoes and cilantro
Sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor

How to Make Crockpot Taco Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base
Add the ground beef, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt into a 6-quart slow cooker. Use a large spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces so the seasonings and salsa coat everything evenly. This helps the flavors blend perfectly as the beef cooks.

Preparing Crockpot Taco Casserole meat with beef, salsa, and spices in a slow cooker — Stir together beef, salsa, and spices to make the flavorful meat base for Crockpot Taco Casserole

Step 2: Slow Cook the Taco Meat
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid while cooking to keep the heat consistent. Once done, remove the lid and carefully drain off most of the liquid, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist. Stir again to fully break up the beef into small, tender bits.

Step 3: Build the Casserole
Add the enchilada sauce, drained black beans, one cup of the shredded cheese, and the tortilla chips directly into the slow cooker. Gently fold everything together, taking care not to crush the chips too much. The chips will soak up the flavorful sauce and help create that comforting casserole texture.

Adding beans, cheese, and chips to Crockpot Taco Casserole in slow cooker — Layer beans, cheese, and chips to assemble your hearty Crockpot Taco Casserole

Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese over the top of the mixture. Turn the slow cooker to high, cover, and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and the casserole looks bubbly and rich.

Crockpot Taco Casserole with melted cheese on top in a slow cooker — Melt the cheese over your Crockpot Taco Casserole for a rich, gooey finish

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions straight from the slow cooker and top with your favorite garnishes such as avocado, cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible layers of cheesy, saucy, taco goodness in every bite.

Serving Crockpot Taco Casserole garnished with avocado and cilantro — Serve your delicious Crockpot Taco Casserole with fresh toppings for a family favorite meal

If you’re a fan of comforting one-dish meals, you’ll definitely want to check out our Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole recipe it’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making it a perfect companion to your Crockpot Taco Casserole.

Pro Tips for the Best Taco Casserole

Use thick and chunky salsa to keep the casserole from turning watery and to give each bite a richer texture.

Avoid over stirring once the chips are added so they maintain a nice crunch instead of becoming too soft.

If you prefer extra crispiness, add the tortilla chips during the last 15 minutes of cooking time. This helps them stay slightly crunchy even after the cheese melts.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, include diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, or your favorite hot sauce before serving. It adds a bold kick that complements the creamy, cheesy layers perfectly.

Variations

For a Chicken Taco Casserole, substitute shredded cooked chicken for the ground beef. This makes a lighter, protein-packed version that is just as flavorful.

For a Vegetarian Version, replace the beef with additional black beans, lentils, or a mix of beans and vegetables. This keeps the casserole hearty while making it meat-free.

For a Dorito Taco Casserole, swap the corn tortilla chips for crushed Doritos. This adds extra flavor and a fun twist for parties or game day.

For a Low Carb Option, use cauliflower rice instead of chips. It absorbs the sauce well while reducing carbs and keeping the casserole satisfying.

If you enjoy hearty, comforting casseroles, don’t miss my Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe it’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in one pan, making it a wonderful companion to your Crockpot Taco Casserole.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store any leftover taco casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top to restore that melty, cheesy texture.

Avoid freezing the casserole if you have included tortilla chips, as they will become soggy and lose their crispiness. Reheating works best with freshly made or refrigerated portions.

What to Serve With It

Pair this crockpot taco casserole with fluffy Mexican rice for a complete meal that soaks up all the flavorful sauce.

Add slices of fresh avocado or a scoop of easy guacamole to bring a creamy, cool contrast to the cheesy, spicy casserole.

A simple fresh salad provides a crisp, refreshing element that balances the richness of the dish.

Garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro to enhance the flavors and add a bright, zesty finish.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Taco Casserole is the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort. Every scoop delivers tender, seasoned beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips in a hearty, satisfying casserole that the whole family will love. Whether you are feeding a crowd for game day, prepping a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a make-ahead meal, this recipe is a true winner.

Don’t forget to leave a rating if you try it and share your version in the comments. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest to discover more slow cooker favorites, easy weeknight dinners, and recipes that bring warmth and flavor to your table.