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
Scale
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
