If you’re looking for a hearty meal that brings the flavors of the Southwest right to your dinner table, look no further than this Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake. This dish combines the richness of ground beef, the earthiness of potatoes, and the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex spices, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also allows for a hands-off cooking method that frees up your time. Just set it and forget it! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more veggies, switch up the cheese, or even replace the meat with a plant-based alternative, the possibilities are endless. Serve it topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch. Let’s dive into why you will love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and convenient. Here’s why you’ll want to make this dish a regular in your meal planning:
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for those busy days. Just brown the beef, chop your veggies, and let the slow cooker do the rest!
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground beef, black beans, corn, and Tex-Mex spices creates a flavorful explosion in every bite. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a hint of heat, while the potatoes provide a comforting base.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This bake is packed with protein and fiber from the beef and beans, along with vitamins and minerals from the veggies. You can easily make it healthier by opting for lean ground beef or even turkey.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish! The cheesy topping and hearty ingredients make it a hit for the whole family.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch, making it perfect for leftovers. Enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze portions for a quick meal later on.
- Customization: Want to spice it up? Add jalapeños! Prefer it extra cheesy? Go for more cheese. The options are endless!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Trying new recipes can be daunting, but this Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake is an excellent introduction to Tex-Mex cuisine. Here are some compelling reasons to give it a go:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend. You can prep in the morning, set it to cook, and come home to a fragrant meal that’s ready to serve.
- Cost-Effective: Ground beef, potatoes, and canned goods are budget-friendly staples that you may already have on hand. This dish can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Filling and Satisfying: The combination of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates ensures that you and your family will feel full and satisfied.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Hosting a gathering? This dish is ideal for serving a crowd. Just double the recipe, and you’re set for a delicious meal that everyone will love.
- Leftover Friendly: It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
To create this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups diced potatoes (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Recommended Tools or Utensils
- Slow cooker
- Skillet for browning beef
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother. A slow cooker is essential for this recipe as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Don’t forget to have your favorite serving dishes ready for when it’s time to dig in!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of preparing your Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake:
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Make sure to break it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced potatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Season: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the spices.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and let it melt, creating a delicious cheesy layer.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake!
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Just ensure to season appropriately to maintain the Tex-Mex flavor.
How do I store leftovers of this dish?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake?
This dish pairs well with a side of Mexican rice, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with guacamole for an added flavor boost!
Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes can be used. Just add them directly to the slow cooker without thawing, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake?
The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. You can add more chili powder or diced jalapeños for spice or use mild diced tomatoes to keep it gentler.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake is an exceptional dish that combines convenience, flavor, and nutrition. With easy preparation and a slow cooking method that fills your home with inviting aromas, it’s destined to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to try different variations to make it your own! We hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as we do. If you try it, please share your thoughts in the comments below and feel free to share this article with fellow food lovers!
For more delicious recipes, check out our other favorites like Cheesy Dorito Casserole and Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup. Happy cooking!
For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page: Ovia Recipes on Pinterest.
Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced potatoes.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let it melt.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef and Potato Bake!
