Mexican Hash-brown Casserole (Crockpot)

I have said it before, this is a family that enjoys Mexican dishes.  While perusing Pinterest the other night I stumbled upon this gem and decided to give it a whirl for dinner tonight.  Though I am normally not a fan of "cook first then add" crockpot meals, this recipe isn't hard by any means.  The original effort is worth the outcome if you ask me. Plus anything with potatoes and seasonings is a-ok in my book!

Mexican Hash-brown Casserole

• 3/4 lb Ground Beef
• 1 Onion, chopped and divided
• 1 can Whole Kernel Corn, divided
• 1 Red Pepper, chopped and divided
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 4oz can Green Chilies
• 4 T Taco Seasoning *
• 4 oz Cream Cheese (I use the 1/3 less fat)
• 1 lb Potatoes, shredded (I used frozen hash brown shreds)
• 2 c Mexican Cheese, shredded and divided

1. Mix the potatoes, 1 c cheese, half the pepper, half the corn, and half the onion in a bowl.  Add in one tablespoon of taco seasoning and mix to incorporate.  Set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef with the remaining onion, corn, and pepper.
3. Add the remaining taco seasoning (don't have taco seasoning? Make your own) and continue to cook until meat is cooked through and vegetables are soft.
4. Add the cream cheese to the meat mixture and blend until cream cheese is melted.
5. Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray.
6. Layer half the potatoes on the bottom of the crock pot bowl.  Top with half the meat mixture and follow that with 1/2 cup of the remaining shredded cheese.  Layer again with the remaining ingredients.
7. Set the crock pot to low and cook for 4-6 hours.
8. Enjoy

See what I mean about cooking prior to throwing in the crock pot?  I am one that normally likes to only cook once, but I was willing to give this a shot.  It makes a LOT.  I settled on dividing the entire recipe into 6 servings (as we were eating it for dinner) however they are very large servings.  Boy is this recipe FILLING and yummy!   If you decide to use 6 servings the calorie count comes in around 400 calories a serving**.  If you divide it into 8 servings it is about 300 calories per serving**.  Top with your favorite Mexican compliments : avocado slices, salsa, sour cream.

** Please keep in mind that the calorie count does not include your accompaniments.

Excuse the not so pretty picture... I was trying to show
how much it makes!

If you try it let me know your thoughts!

Adapted from The Kitchen Witch