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Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese

Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese
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A cozy and effortless slow cooker dish combining crispy taco shells with a rich, creamy cheese blend and seasoned meat. Perfect for busy nights, this flavorful and creamy Crock Pot Taco Shells and Cheese recipe delivers satisfying comfort food with minimal preparation and fuss.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Taco Shells (sturdy, enough to layer the crock pot)
  • Shredded Cheese Mix (cheddar and Monterey Jack, about 3 cups)
  • Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
  • Ground Beef or Turkey (1 lb, optionally seasoned with taco spices)
  • Onion (1 medium, chopped)
  • Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
  • Tomato Sauce or Salsa (1 cup)
  • Taco Seasoning (1-2 tbsp, adjust to taste)
  • Optional Jalapeños (1-2 sliced, for spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop onions and mince garlic. Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet, seasoning it with taco seasoning to build a deep, flavorful base for the dish.
  2. Layer the Crock Pot: Place a layer of sturdy taco shells at the bottom of the crock pot. Add a portion of the cooked meat, sprinkle some onions and garlic, and spread dollops of cream cheese evenly. Top with shredded cheese and a splash of tomato sauce or salsa.
  3. Repeat Layers: Continue layering taco shells, meat mixture, cheeses, and tomato sauce until the crock pot is full or ingredients are used up. Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
  4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. The taco shells will soften slightly while retaining some crunch.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish cool for a few minutes once done. Scoop out portions and garnish as desired with toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

  • Use sturdy taco shells to prevent becoming overly soggy during slow cooking.
  • Do not overfill the crock pot to ensure even cooking and heat distribution.
  • Add tomato sauce or salsa sparingly to keep the dish moist but not soupy.
  • Combine a sharp cheese with a mild cheese for a richer and more complex flavor.
  • Layer ingredients thoughtfully alternating textures and flavors for depth in each bite.

Nutrition

Keywords: crock pot, taco shells, cheese, slow cooker, cheesy, easy dinner, Tex-Mex, comfort food, crockpot recipe

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/crock-pot-taco-shells-and-cheese/