Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy days. Easy to prepare and packed with cheesy, savory flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that cooks itself while you relax.

Ingredients

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots
• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 10.5 ounces cheese sauce
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• ½ tablespoon minced onion
• Freshly chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Add about half of the tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot and spread them into an even layer.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the browned ground beef, cheese sauce, taco seasoning, minced onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. Step 4: Spoon the beef mixture over the tater tots in the crockpot and spread it evenly.
5. Step 5: Top with the remaining tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a can of diced green chilies or mix in some sour cream with the beef mixture.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in the crockpot insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed the next day, adding a little extra time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cheddar cheese?

Yes, mozzarella will work well and give a milder, creamier texture. You can also mix cheeses for a richer flavor.

Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Featuring layers of crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy cheese sauce, this hearty dish takes just minutes to prepare and cooks slowly to perfection in your crockpot, delivering a deliciously cheesy and savory dinner.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tater Tots

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots

Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 10.5 ounces cheese sauce
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• ½ tablespoon minced onion
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (half of 2 cups)

Topping

• 16 ounces frozen tater tots (remaining half)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (remaining half)

Garnish (Optional)

• Freshly chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Layer the First Portion of Tater Tots: Place about half of the frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of the crockpot, forming a solid base layer.
3. Mix the Beef Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the browned and drained ground beef, cheese sauce, taco seasoning, minced onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well blended.
4. Add Beef Mixture: Spread the beef mixture evenly over the tater tot layer in the crockpot, ensuring consistent coverage for every bite.
5. Top with Remaining Tater Tots: Place the remaining frozen tater tots over the beef mixture in a single even layer.
6. Sprinkle Cheese on Top: Evenly distribute the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of tater tots.
7. Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours, allowing the casserole to cook through, melt the cheese, and crisp up the tater tots slightly.
8. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, serve the casserole warm, optionally garnished with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

• Make sure to brown and drain the ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
• You can substitute taco seasoning with your favorite seasoning blend to adjust the flavor profile.
• For a spicier twist, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Spraying the crockpot helps prevent sticking and simplifies clean-up.
• If you prefer crispier tater tots, you can broil the finished casserole in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Fresh cilantro garnish is optional but adds a fresh herbal note to balance richness.

Keywords: Crockpot casserole, tater tot casserole, slow cooker recipe, cheesy beef casserole, easy dinner recipe