Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole

Try this Mexican Bubble Up Casserole that is slow-cooked to perfection with all the Tex-Mex flavors of a traditional Mexican-inspired pizza dish. Who knew just five ingredients could come together for a mouth-watering meal that will leave your family wanting more?

Side view of a slice of bubble up casserole (mexican style).

What is a bubble-up casserole?

In short, a bubble-up casserole is a dish made with refrigerated biscuits. While cooking, the biscuits “bubble up” when they are baked – or in this case, slowly cooked in the crockpot. These casseroles are quite popular and can be made with a number of ingredients.

For this Mexican bubble up casserole recipe, there are minimal ingredients that are all combined and cooked together, leaving prep time short and sweet. Cooking time is also short, which means you can start this casserole dish just a few hours before mealtime.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for bubble casserole on table.

Ground Beef: If you can, go with a pack of lean ground beef.
Taco Sauce: I use the Oretgo brand, about two 8-oz. jars.
Taco Seasoning Mix: The original kind adds the perfect flavor.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is added to the top of the Mexican bubble up casserole and melted to perfection.
Biscuits: Refrigerated (buttermilk or homestyle) Pilsbury biscuits work perfectly, although any brand will do.
Water: Used to mix taco seasoning and sauce together.

Step-by-Step Directions

skillet with taco meat, taco sauce and seasoning. Another with meat mixture and cubed biscuits in slow cooker.

Step One – Cook ground beef and add taco sauce, water, and taco seasoning. Bring the beef mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium low, and allow it to simmer for five minutes or until sightly thickened.

Step Two – Add the beef mixture into a parchment paper-lined crock pot (parchment paper optional) and add in cut biscuit pieces.

2 images of mexican bubble up pizza, cooked.

Step Three – Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 – 3.5 hours or until the biscuit dough is cooked through.

Step Four – Remove the lid and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Re-cover the slow cooker until the cheese is melted.

side view of casserole slice with lettuce and tomato.

Variations

Toppings: light and flavorful toppings to consider are sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, diced onion, sliced jalapenos, and extra salsa. Sharp cheddar cheese and green onions are great toppings as well.
Sides: since this dish is fairly hearty on its own, keeping the side options light is best. A few sides to consider are Mexican street corn, a nice helping of nacho or tortilla chips, and/or Mexican refried beans.
Spice & Flavor: switch up the flavors by adding chili powder, green peppers, and hot sauce.

slice of bubble up casserole with bite out of it.

Recipe FAQs

Are there meat-free substitutions for this Mexican bubble up casserole?

Black beans would make a perfect meat swap and cut back on cook time even more since you won’t have to brown the ground beef.

How do you store the bubble up casserole leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure you store any toppings separately. It should keep in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. It can also be frozen, making it a great freezer meal option.

Can I use homemade biscuits?

Yes! Any kind of biscuits will work with this recipe.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

Instead, simply spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent and sticking of your pizza casserole.