Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole
Try this Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole recipe.
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 1 pound 96/4 extra lean ground beef
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper (diced)
- 5 cups shredded collard greens
- 1 pint sugar plum grape tomatoes (halved)
- 15 oz can black beans
- 18 oz tomato sauce with roasted garlic
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 10 corn tortillas ((i used extra thin))
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- Carbohydrate 12.8812902849088 g
- Cholesterol 22.32524944125 mg
- Fat 7.3663128879204 g
- Fiber 4.6245158543017 g
- Protein 10.1748379640571 g
- Saturated Fat 4.57499700378232 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (210g)
- Sodium 181.469457437713 mg
- Sugar 8.25677443060712 g
- Trans Fat 0.431526828524395 g
- Calories 157 calories
Step-by-step
- Brown ground beef in skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Add onions and peppers and let saute for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add collard greens and stir well to combine and wilt greens.
- Add broth and cover and let simmer for 5 minutes or until greens are wilted.
- Remove cover and let simmer until broth fully reduced.
- Remove from heat and stir in tomatoes, beans, sauce, and taco seasoning.
- Stack half of the tortillas and cut them into thin strips and then into bite-sized pieces.
- Stir them into beef mixture.
- Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray and add casserole mixture.
- Top with cheese.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 until veggies and beans are fully cooked and tender.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a never-ending battle. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and after-school activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're a lifesaver! This Slow Cooker Healthy Taco Casserole is my absolute go-to weeknight meal. It's packed with flavor, surprisingly healthy, and requires minimal prep time.
The best part? The entire recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes of active cooking. I brown the ground beef, sauté the vegetables, and then toss everything into the slow cooker. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a tender, flavorful casserole that's ready just in time for dinner. My kids love it, and it's a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, something I always strive for. The collard greens add a nice depth of flavor and a boost of nutrients without overpowering the taco taste. I often find myself using this recipe as a base, experimenting with different vegetables or adding a bit of spice depending on the family's mood.
One of the key ingredients is the homemade taco seasoning. While store-bought seasoning works in a pinch, homemade taco seasoning allows for complete control over the ingredients. This lets me adjust the spice level to my preference and avoid any unwanted additives. You can easily find a simple recipe online, and it takes just a few minutes to whip up a batch. It keeps well in an airtight container for weeks, so it's a great addition to my spice cabinet. The use of corn tortillas adds a satisfying crunch to the casserole without making it heavy or overly caloric.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. I've experimented with various types of beans, and even swapped out the sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese, depending on what I have on hand. Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day, and they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven. It's a great way to extend a delicious meal without any extra effort. For a more complete dinner, consider adding a side of brown rice or a simple salad.
This slow cooker taco casserole is not only convenient and tasty but also a healthier option compared to traditional taco casseroles. By using lean ground beef and plenty of vegetables, I can feel good about serving this dish to my family. It's a comforting and familiar meal elevated with simple adjustments that make all the difference.
I encourage you to try this recipe and see for yourself how easy and satisfying it is. It's a perfect example of how a busy mom can enjoy delicious, healthy home-cooked meals without sacrificing precious time or energy. Let me know in the comments how it turns out, or feel free to share your own recipe variations and additions – I'm always looking for new ideas!
