Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With crispy tater tots layered with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, it’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
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
- Step 1: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Add about half of the tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot and spread them into an even layer.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the browned and drained ground beef, cheese sauce, taco seasoning, minced onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Step 4: Spoon the beef mixture over the tater tots in the crockpot and spread it evenly.
- Step 5: Top with the remaining tater tots, arranging them into a single layer.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped green chilies to the beef mixture.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use a mild or spicy cheese sauce depending on your preferred heat level.
- To keep tots crispier, use the crockpot’s high setting rather than low.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Reheating in the oven helps maintain the crispy texture on top.
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 the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Cook it in the crockpot as directed the next day, adding extra time if cooking from cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can freeze the casserole, but for best texture, freeze before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven rather than the crockpot.
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Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for an easy family meal. Layers of crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef mixed with creamy cheese sauce, and melted cheddar cheese come together in a slow cooker to create a deliciously cheesy and satisfying casserole with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer Tater Tots (Base): Add about half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot and spread them into an even layer to create the base of the casserole.
- Make the Beef Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the browned and drained ground beef with the cheese sauce, taco seasoning, minced onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the layer of tater tots in the crockpot, spreading it evenly to cover the base layer completely.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the remaining frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture in a single layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tater tots.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours until the tater tots are cooked through, crispy on top, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting crockpot casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, add diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- To make this dish spicier, increase the taco seasoning or add chili powder.
- If your crockpot runs hot, check the casserole after 2 hours to prevent overcooking.
- Fresh cilantro is optional but adds a nice fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tater tot casserole, crockpot recipe, slow cooker casserole, cheesy beef casserole, easy family dinner
