Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Easy Protein Packed Dinner (Print Version)
Protein packed slow cooker taco casserole makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Enjoy a flavorful, easy-to-make meal with minimal effort and maximum taste.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
02 -
1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
03 -
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
→ Zesty Simmering Sauce
04 -
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
05 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
2 tbsp taco seasoning
08 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
09 -
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
→ Creamy Cheesy Crown
10 -
4 oz light cream cheese, softened
11 -
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
→ Fresh Fiesta Finishes
12 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
13 -
1 large avocado, diced, for garnish
14 -
1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, for serving
15 -
Salt to taste
16 -
Black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet, brown 1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Add 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced; cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
02 -
Transfer the browned turkey mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients for your Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Protein Packed Dinner.
03 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours (240 minutes) or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the mixture is heated through and flavors have melded. This slow cooking process is key for a deeply flavored Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Protein Packed Dinner.
04 -
Once cooked, stir in 4 oz light cream cheese, softened, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy base for your casserole.
05 -
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the slow cooker again for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 -
Garnish your Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Protein Packed Dinner with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, and 1 large avocado, diced. Serve hot with 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, don't skip browning the ground turkey and sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. It builds a great base.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
03 -
Feel free to customize your casserole! Swap ground turkey for lean ground beef or chicken, or add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
04 -
Enhance your serving experience with additional toppings like pickled jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of crumbled tortilla chips for crunch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Can opener
08 -
Mixing spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 528 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 31 g
Protein: 38 g