Crock Pot Tamale Casserole
Prep Time ⏱️: 15 minutes
Cook Time 🍲: 2 hours
Total Time ⏳: 2 hours 15 minutes
Description
Indulge in a delightful and hearty meal with our Crock Pot Tamale Casserole recipe. This savory casserole, made with love from lovewithrecipes.com, combines the robust flavors of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tortillas, all melded together in the slow cooker to create a dish that is both satisfying and comforting. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this casserole will surely be a hit with family and friends. ❤️
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional Garnishes: sour cream, jalapenos, salsa, and refried beans
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 543.8 kcal |
Fat | 29.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 14 g |
Cholesterol | 97.6 mg |
Sodium | 940.9 mg |
Carbohydrates | 39.5 g |
Fiber | 3.4 g |
Sugar | 6.5 g |
Protein | 29.4 g |
Servings: 6
Instructions
-
Brown the Beef and Onions 🍖🧅:
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- Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Once fully cooked, drain the excess grease from the skillet.
-
Prepare the Vegetables 🌶️🍅:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the diced green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and canned diced tomatoes.
-
Cut the Tortillas 🌮:
- Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut 4 of the corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces. Each tortilla can be sliced into eight segments.
-
Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot 🥘:
- Start by placing a layer of the cut tortilla pieces at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add a layer of the browned ground beef and onions.
- Follow with a layer of the mixed peppers and tomatoes.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of the ground beef mixture and vegetable mix.
-
Top with Cheese 🧀:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the layered ingredients. For best results, wait until the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to add the cheese, ensuring it melts to a deliciously gooey texture.
-
Cook the Casserole ⏳:
- Set your crock pot to the low setting.
- Allow the casserole to cook for 2 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
-
Serve and Garnish 🌶️🥣:
- Once cooked, serve the tamale casserole hot.
- Enhance each serving with optional garnishes such as sour cream, jalapenos, salsa, and refried beans to add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Tips and Tricks
- Customize the Heat 🌶️: If you enjoy a spicier dish, consider adding some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable mix.
- Cheese Variation 🧀: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead 📅: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble the layers in the crock pot, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Pairing Suggestions
To make this meal even more delightful, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Mexican corn salad. For a complete Mexican-inspired feast, consider making a batch of homemade guacamole and warm tortilla chips. 🌽🥗🍅
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot Tamale Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, providing a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and soft tortillas, all topped with melted cheese, creates a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this casserole will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, hassle-free meal! 🌟❤️🍽️