Easy crockpot beefy potato taco casserole

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This is a simple recipe for crockpot beefy potato taco casserole that is delicious and the perfect comfort food for an easy family dinner.

The crockpot beefy potato taco casserole is great over rice or warm tortillas. The creamy potatoes, ground beef and chunks of steak create an amazing combination that everyone will love!

The crock pot beefy potato taco casserole is a combination of savory ground beef and chunks of steak, seasoned to perfection and creamy deliciousness. One of the best slow cooker recipes for your next taco Tuesday!

Use it for the whole family as a full meal, or serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips for special occasions. Make it ahead of time and freeze it to use whenever you need an idea for a meal plan.

What is a taco casserole?

A taco casserole is typically a ground beef casserole base. It is one of those easy recipes that is affordable and a different way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican food with an American twist.

The casserole is the home cook's go to for saving time and meals can easily be packaged and frozen to use when needed. It is traditionally a meal that is prepared in a deep baking dish in the oven and contains protein, carbs, spices, and vegetables (sometimes/sort of).

Casseroles commonly have a melted cheese or breadcrumb topping which is the best part. A concept that provides all of the different aspects of a full meal in one dish, popularized in the 1950's and has taken off ever since.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Steak - I chose a Top Sirloin steak pre packaged to about ½" thickness at the grocery store. It's cheaper and a little tougher but is ideal for slow cooking.
• Flour - Used to tenderize the steak
• Garlic Salt
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Ground Beef - I used a lean ground beef of 90/10 to avoid being too greasy.
• Taco Seasoning - I used a cheesy taco blend
• Potatoes - Russet potatoes will hold their form in the slow cooker
• Onions - Yellow onion is a good option but any kind will work
• Beef Broth - Adds flavor and water to get juicy ground beef and cook the potatoes
• Taco Sauce
• Shredded Cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions or cilantro (optional)

Instructions for crockpot beefy potato taco casserole:

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe.

Dust off the ol' crockpot and give it a quick wipe. I don't use the crock pot enough and I am getting back into it since having kids to save time and dishes, for real. This crockpot beefy potato taco casserole recipe is the perfect recipe for a hearty meal.

Cube the sirloin steak and add to a large bowl.

Add the flour, garlic salt, black pepper and salt and mix together until the chunks are coated.

Heat a large sauce pan or large skillet on medium high with the vegetable oil.

Brown beef in a sauce pan on medium high heat until each side is browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Use 2 tablespoons of the beef broth to deglaze the bottom of the pan.

Dice the potatoes into small cubes then the onion to a rough chop.

Using the same pan turn heat down to medium heat and add 1 lb ground beef.

Break up beef as it cooks and spread out over the entire pan.

Add in 1 packet of taco seasoning and mix it into the ground beef as it cooks.

Once the ground beef has browned and the taco seasoning is added, turn off the heat and add the potatoes and onions and stir together.

Then mix in the chunks of steak.

Add all of the beef, potato and onion mixture into the crockpot.

Next, add in the beef broth and taco sauce.

Gently stir the entire crockpot beefy potato taco casserole mixture.

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 4-6 hours.

Stir occasionally so that everything cooks evenly.

Add shredded cheese about 30 minutes before it is ready so that it will melt.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite taco toppings!

Optional - garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro!

Substitutions for Crockpot taco casserole:

• Ground beef - Ground bison or elk are a nice leaner alternative to beef.
• Steak - Upgrade with a ribeye or NY strip instead of chuck steak or use a meat alternative

Variations

• Ultimate time saver - To eliminate prep time ,use frozen hash browns or diced potatoes instead of the potatoes.
• Faster cook time - Set the slow cooker on the Hi setting and cook for 3-4 hours.
• Excellent as a taco or burrito filling - go ahead and put the taco casserole on a taco, it's no problem!

Equipment

• Slow cooker or crock pot
• Sauce pan

Storage

• Place the crockpot beefy potato taco casserole in a freezer safe dish or container and freeze for up to 6 months.
• The taco casserole will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Top tips for crock pot beefy potato taco casserole:

• Use a block of cheese and shred it right before, I think that shredding cheese from a block is more creamy than pre shredded cheese at the store.
• Food grade safety gloves can be worn while chopping jalapeno peppers and handling the raw meat
• If you're concerned about nutritional information you can lower the daily values of fat and sodium by using different alternatives.

Food Safety

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods

The crockpot beefy potato taco casserole is the ultimate comfort food that saves you time on busy days. A delicious way to enjoy a taco casserole on a cold winter night and one of my favorite recipes.