Description
A hands-off, hearty, and flavorful taco-seasoned hashbrown casserole made in a crock pot, perfect for feeding a family of six with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds (900g) frozen shredded hashbrowns
- 1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 medium diced onion (about 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) full-fat sour cream
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced mild green chilies (optional)
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with juices
- Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning, coating the beef and onions evenly.
- In the crock pot, layer the frozen hashbrowns evenly.
- Pour the seasoned beef mixture on top of the hashbrowns.
- Add diced green chilies and Rotel tomatoes with their juices.
- Dollop sour cream over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Do not stir yet.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until hashbrowns are soft and cheese is melted.
- Once cooked, stir the casserole to combine layers.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
[‘For a crustier top, switch to high for the last 30 minutes and leave the lid off.’, ‘Browning the beef adds flavor depth and prevents excess liquid.’, ‘Use full-fat sour cream to avoid curdling and add richness.’, ‘Do not stir casserole before cooking to prevent watery texture.’, ‘You can prepare the casserole the night before by layering in the crock pot insert and refrigerating overnight.’, ‘Add black beans or corn for extra fiber and texture.’, ‘Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken if desired.’, ‘For dairy-free version, use dairy-free sour cream and vegan cheese.’, ‘Avoid microwaving leftovers straight from the fridge; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or sour cream.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
Keywords: taco casserole, crock pot dinner, hashbrown casserole, easy family dinner, slow cooker recipe, ground beef casserole, comfort food