Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Taco Chili
A delicious and easy slow cooker chili full of black beans, refried beans, tomatoes, corn, ground beef, and potatoes with a Tex-Mex taste.
A delicious and easy slow cooker chili full of black beans, refried beans, tomatoes, corn, ground beef, and potatoes with a Tex-Mex taste.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz can black beans
- 1 lb ground beef (93% lean 7% fat)
- 1 15 oz can non fat refried beans
- 1 11 oz can rotel (mild )
- 3 cups shredded or diced hash browns (frozen or refrigera i use simply hash browns )
- 2 cups corn (frozen canned, or fresh)
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp lawry's seasoned salt (1 tsp kosher salt will wor
- 2.5 tsp cumin
- a pinch or two of red pepper flakes or hot sauce depending on spice preference)
- Carbohydrate 5.955136875 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.341443125 g
- Fiber 2.05193127125502 g
- Protein 12.416345 g
- Saturated Fat 1.2123046875 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1423g)
- Sodium 3235.14094791667 mg
- Sugar 3.90320560374498 g
- Trans Fat 0.286511875 g
- Calories 99 calories
Step-by-step
- In a skillet over medium heat, sprinkle salt and pepper on ground beef and cook until no longer pink.
- Place ground beef and all of the ingredients above into slow cooker.
- Stir together until combined well and cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Salt & Pepper to taste.
- Top with cheese, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or whatever sounds good!
- Enjoy.
My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Taco Chili
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's why I've become obsessed with my slow cooker. It's my secret weapon for creating flavorful, hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Taco Chili is a perfect example. It's packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and requires minimal hands-on time. The best part? It's easily adaptable to whatever I have on hand. Sometimes I add extra veggies, sometimes I swap out the beans, and sometimes I even throw in some leftover rice for a heartier meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility.
The initial prep work is a breeze. I brown the ground beef in a skillet – just a few minutes to get it nice and browned. Then it's all about tossing everything into the slow cooker – beans, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, spices – and letting the magic happen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over several hours. I typically set it on low in the morning and come home to a warm, comforting, and incredibly tasty dinner. The aroma alone is enough to make my kids run to the kitchen anticipating a delicious meal. Seriously, the smell that wafts through the house is heavenly.
This chili is fantastic on its own, but I love to add a variety of toppings to customize it to everyone's preferences. Shredded cheese is a must, of course. But I also love to add crunchy tortilla strips for texture, fresh cilantro for brightness, and a sprinkle of jalapeños for a little kick. My kids love to add sour cream, while I often prefer a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. Sometimes, I’ll even serve it with a side of avocado slices or a simple cornbread for a complete meal.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. I often double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy dinner another night. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better!) the second time around. It's also great for potlucks and gatherings. This chili is a crowd-pleaser, always leaving everyone wanting more.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. Start with less and add more to taste.
- Bean Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even a mix would work well.
- Veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Meat Alternatives: This recipe is easily adapted for vegetarians. Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Slow Cooker Size: Adjust the ingredient quantities based on the size of your slow cooker.
- Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for making ahead of time and reheating.
This slow cooker beef and potato taco chili recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a time-saver, a flavor booster, and a stress reliever. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of slow-cooked magic. So, next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
