If your weeknights are a blur of to-do lists and takeout menus, it’s time to let your slow cooker step in and save the day—deliciously. Meet your new go-to: Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole.
It’s a cheesy, hearty, flavor-packed dish that practically makes itself while you tackle your busy life. With bold Tex-Mex spices, tender veggies, lean protein, and just the right amount of kick, this casserole is the definition of comfort food done right.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual get-together, this dish checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious. Keep reading for the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers all the flavor of a fiesta with none of the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dump-and-go simplicity – no sautéing, no fuss. Just layer, cover, and cook.
- Hearty and healthy – loaded with lean ground turkey or beef, beans, and veggies.
- Totally customizable – swap in your favorite veggies or protein.
- Crowd-pleaser – melty cheese and bold spices make it an instant favorite.
Ingredients (Serves 6 People)
Here’s what you’ll need for this no-fuss casserole:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (or ground beef/chicken)
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. (If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add raw ground meat directly to the slow cooker—it will still cook through, though the texture is slightly softer.)
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker
Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Then add:
- Cooked ground turkey
- Uncooked rice
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Chicken broth
- Bell pepper and onion
- All spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Stir once about halfway through if you can—but it’s not a dealbreaker if you can’t.
4. Add the Cheese
About 10–15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover again and let it melt into gooey, glorious deliciousness.
Tips & Toppings
- Make it spicier: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes.
- Stretch it out: Serve over lettuce for a burrito bowl, or scoop into tortillas.
- Top it off: Fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime juice, or a dollop of sour cream take this dish over the top.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This casserole is a meal-prepper’s dream.
- To store: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- To freeze: Freeze individual portions for grab-and-go lunches or reheat-worthy dinners. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To reheat: Microwave or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
This No-Fuss Fiesta is everything you want in a weeknight meal: hearty, comforting, and full of zesty flavor—without the mess or stress. Whether you’re serving it to picky kids, flavor-loving adults, or just yourself (because you deserve it), this Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole is sure to be a repeat request.
Ready to throw a fiesta in your slow cooker? You’ve got this.
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