Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Black Bean Taco Casserole Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more robust flavor, you can add diced onions or bell peppers to the bottom of the slow cooker along with the beef. These aromatics will soften during the cooking process and enhance the overall depth of the dish. If you enjoy a bit of extra texture, consider adding a handful of corn kernels when you add the black beans, as they provide a subtle sweetness that balances the savory taco seasoning perfectly.

If you find the casserole is a bit too liquidy for your preference, you can stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the sauce into a more gravy-like consistency.

Remember to always serve the casserole hot, and consider offering various toppings on the side, such as chopped cilantro or sour cream, to allow individuals to customize their own servings.

Variations

• Spicy Beef Casserole: Add a tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef before cooking to introduce a spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a bit more heat in their taco-inspired meals.
• Vegetable-Packed Version: Stir in a cup of frozen corn and a finely diced bell pepper at the start of the cooking process. These additions increase the nutritional variety and add a pleasant color and crunch to the final casserole.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming hot throughout.

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is properly sealed to maintain freshness. When cooling the leftovers, avoid leaving them at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back, to ensure it stays at a safe temperature until you are ready to reheat it.

You can prepare the base of the casserole by combining the beef, beans, and seasoning in a container and refrigerating it overnight. When you are ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and add the broth.

This is a great way to save time in the morning. Note that the total cooking time may increase slightly if starting with cold ingredients directly from the refrigerator, so be sure to check the internal temperature carefully.

Serving ideas

Serve this casserole hot, straight from the slow cooker for a casual family-style meal. It pairs exceptionally well with warm flour or corn tortillas, allowing guests to scoop up the mixture for a DIY taco experience.

Alternatively, you can serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or alongside a simple green salad to create a more substantial dinner plate. The versatility of the dish makes it suitable for both quick weekday meals and weekend gatherings.

For an elevated presentation, garnish each serving with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a few slices of pickled jalapeños for added zest. If you prefer a crunch, crushed tortilla chips on top provide a pleasant textural contrast to the soft beef and beans.

No matter how you choose to serve it, the combination of savory beef, hearty beans, and melted cheese ensures a satisfying meal that is sure to be requested again.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Black Bean Taco Casserole

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Place the raw ground beef into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the black beans, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top, and pour the beef broth over all ingredients.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until the ground beef is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

1.5 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.