Description
A comforting, layered slow cooker casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and tortilla chips topped with melted cheese. This easy, hands-off meal is perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (plus extra cumin and chili powder if desired)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla)
- 1 bag (9-10 oz) sturdy tortilla chips
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 2–3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave some for flavor.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the browned beef and add 2-3 tablespoons of water. Stir to coat and simmer for one minute.
- Lightly spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread half of the seasoned ground beef evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer the rinsed black beans and Rotel tomatoes (with juices) over the beef.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the bean and tomato layer.
- Break tortilla chips into large chunks and layer them over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers: remaining beef, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and top with remaining chips.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until chips are soft but retain some texture and cheese is melted.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the sour cream.
- Turn off the slow cooker, garnish with green onions and avocado, and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use thick-cut tortilla chips to prevent them from disintegrating. Do not cook on high heat as this will make the chips mushy. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of water or salsa to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 22
Keywords: slow cooker, taco casserole, ground beef, cheesy, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, Mexican recipe, one pot meal