Can I make this spicy beef potato taco casserole recipe with other types of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times slightly depending on the meat.

How do I know when the potatoes are done in the casserole?

After about 4 hours on high in the crockpot, your potatoes should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. For uniform cooking, make sure your potato pieces are cut evenly at the start so some don’t overcook while others remain firm.

Can I prepare this spicy beef potato taco casserole recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients and assemble the casserole in the crockpot insert the night before. Just cover and refrigerate overnight, then start cooking the next day. Keep in mind cooking time may be slightly longer from cold.

Spicy Beef Tacos | Easy and Flavorful Dinner Idea

Description

This Beefy Potato Taco Casserole is a comforting and easy crockpot meal combining seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and creamy cheesy layers with a tasty Mexican flair. Perfect for a hands-off dinner with a rich blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 lb lean 96/4 ground beef
1 oz taco seasoning packet

Vegetables

1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
2 large russet potatoes, about 24 oz total, peeled and diced
Green onion for topping, chopped

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 + 1/4 cup)

Others

1/2 cup (120 g) salsa

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Instructions

Prepare vegetables. Peel and dice the potatoes as desired (cubes, small dice, or slices). Dice the onion and set both aside.
Cook the beef. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for a few minutes until starting to brown, then add 1/2 cup salsa and the taco seasoning packet. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes until beef is cooked through but may be slightly pink inside.
Combine ingredients in crockpot. Add diced potatoes, diced onion, cottage cheese, queso cheese dip, and 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese into the crockpot. Mix well.
Add cooked beef to crockpot. Transfer the seasoned beef to the crockpot and mix thoroughly with the other ingredients.
Top with cheese and cook. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese over the top. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
Finish and serve. After cooking, the potatoes should be tender and cheese melted. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein but can be substituted with cream cheese or cheddar cheese soup for similar texture and flavor.
You may substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
Liquid in the crockpot after cooking is normal oil runoff from cheese and will settle as the dish cools.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 23 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg