Crockpot Taco Potatoes

Tender potatoes, savory taco-seasoned beef and a blanket of melted cheddar, all from one pot. Crockpot Taco Potatoes take about 20 minutes of hands-on work, and then the slow cooker takes over while the kitchen fills with the smell of chili, cumin and garlic.

By dinnertime the potatoes are soft all the way through, the beef and tomatoes have cooked into a thick, spoonable sauce, and the cheese is bubbling at the edges.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• About 20 minutes of real work. Brown the beef, halve the potatoes, and walk away.
• One pot, one meal. Meat, potatoes and cheese cook together, so there is no side dish to juggle.
• Pantry friendly. Potatoes, ground beef, taco seasoning and a can of Rotel are easy to keep on hand.
• Mild enough for everyone. Heat lovers can add jalapeños or hot sauce to their own bowl.
• It waits for you. The Warm setting keeps it ready for late arrivals.

How It Comes Together

Think of it as taco night meeting a cheesy potato casserole. Halved baby Yukon Gold potatoes are seasoned in the bottom of the slow cooker. Browned, drained ground beef goes on top, followed by Rotel and a little beef broth. The potatoes cook in that seasoned liquid until fork-tender, and the cheese goes on only at the end so it melts smooth.

On HIGH it is usually ready in 3½ to 4 hours. On LOW, plan on 6 to 7 hours, which fits neatly around a workday.

When to Serve It

This is an easy crockpot dinner for busy weeknights, and it works just as well for game day, potlucks and family get-togethers. Set the pot out with bowls of toppings and let everyone help themselves.

Next: exactly what goes into the pot, and how to cook it so the potatoes come out tender instead of mushy.