Description
This Beefy Potato Taco Casserole is a hearty and creamy crockpot recipe perfect for an easy and comforting meal. Ground beef is simmered with salsa and taco seasoning, then combined with potatoes, onions, and creamy cheeses to create a cheesy, flavorful casserole that cooks hands-free in the slow cooker. Topped with fresh green onions, it’s a satisfying dish ideal for busy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean 96/4 ground beef
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
- 2 large russet potatoes (about 24 oz), peeled and diced
Dairy and Cheese
- 1/2 cup (113 g) fat-free cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup (128 g) queso cheese dip
- 1 cup (112 g) lite shredded Mexican cheese, divided (3/4 cup plus 1/4 cup)
Other Ingredients
- 1 oz taco seasoning packet
- 1/2 cup (120 g) salsa
- Green onion for topping, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes and Onion: Peel and dice the russet potatoes according to your preference—cubed, small dice, or sliced. Dice the onion and set both aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Allow it to cook for a few minutes until it starts to brown.
- Season the Beef: Add 1/2 cup salsa and the taco seasoning packet to the beef. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the beef is cooked through but may still be slightly pink inside.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the diced potatoes, onion, cottage cheese, queso cheese dip, and 3/4 cup of shredded Mexican cheese into the crockpot. Add the partially cooked beef on top.
- Mix and Top: Stir all ingredients gently to combine in the crockpot. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese on top.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. The potatoes will become tender and the cheese will melt beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: After cooking, sprinkle chopped green onions on top for freshness and serve warm.
Notes
- Cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein while melting nicely; you can substitute it with cream cheese or cheddar cheese soup for similar results.
- Any ground meat such as ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Some liquid may appear in the crockpot after cooking; this is natural oil runoff from the cheeses and will settle as the casserole cools.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture while cooking.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
