Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Easy High-Protein Dinner (Print Version)
Enjoy an easy, high-protein Slow Cooker Taco Casserole. This simple dinner recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Protein Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey (93/7)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Zesty Taco Infusion
04 -
2 tbsp low-sodium taco seasoning
05 -
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
06 -
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
07 -
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
08 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
09 -
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, undrained
→ Creamy & Cheesy Topping
10 -
4 oz light cream cheese, softened
11 -
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese
→ Fresh Finishes
12 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
13 -
1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the 1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey. Drain any excess fat. Add the 1 large yellow onion, diced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the hearty base for your Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Easy High-Protein Dinner.
02 -
Transfer the browned turkey mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in the 2 tbsp low-sodium taco seasoning, 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, and 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (undrained). This combination creates the rich flavor profile for your Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Easy High-Protein Dinner.
03 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the mixture is hot and bubbly. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully for your Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Easy High-Protein Dinner.
04 -
Once cooked, stir in the 4 oz light cream cheese, softened, until it is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy texture throughout the casserole.
05 -
Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat 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. This final touch makes your Slow Cooker Taco Casserole: Easy High-Protein Dinner irresistible.
06 -
Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Serve hot with 1 lime, cut into wedges, for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your delicious and easy high-protein dinner!
# Notes:
01 -
For richer flavor, don't skip browning the ground turkey and aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker.
02 -
Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Taco Casserole store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
03 -
Feel free to substitute the lean ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef (90/10) for a similar high-protein result.
04 -
Serve this casserole with your favorite taco toppings like crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a side of brown rice for a complete meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
07 -
can opener
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 408 kcal
Total Fat: 16 g
Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
Protein: 38 g