Crock-Pot Taco Hash Brown Casserole

Ingredients

• 32 oz Southern-style hash browns (One bag; keep frozen and do not thaw. Shredded hash browns may be used instead.)
• 1 packet Taco seasoning (The creator says two packets are also an option, but can make it salty; the recipe uses one.)
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 2 cans Cheddar cheese soup (Nacho cheese, Velveeta, or shredded cheese may be used as alternatives; the creator also mentions a variation using one can of cheese soup and one can of Rotel.)
• 2 cans Southwest corn (Drained.)
• 2 cups Mexican shredded cheese (Use 1 cup in the mixture and reserve 1 cup for the top. Colby Jack or cheddar are suggested alternatives.)
• 2 lb Ground beef (Brown on the stovetop and drain excess grease before adding.)
• Sour cream (For topping; amount not specified.)
• Cilantro (For topping; amount not specified.)

Steps

1. 1

   Keep the hash browns frozen; do not thaw them. If using the Southern-style bagged hash browns, use them as-is, or substitute shredded hash browns.

2. 2

   Brown the ground beef in a skillet on the stovetop, then drain off the excess grease.

3. 3

   Add the frozen hash browns to the slow cooker. Add the taco seasoning, black pepper, cheddar cheese soup, and drained Southwest corn.

4. 4

   Add the browned, drained ground beef and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir everything together well.

5. 5

   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.

6. 6

   Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours.

7. 7

   When cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for about 10–15 minutes.

8. 8

   Top with sour cream and a little cilantro before serving.

Notes

The creator also offers optional variations: use two packets of taco seasoning (though she finds it salty), substitute nacho cheese, Velveeta, or shredded cheese for the cheddar soup, or replace one can of cheese soup with one can of Rotel. No quantities are given for sour cream or cilantro.

Nutrition per serving

• dinner
• main
• slow-cooker
• crockpot
• comfort food