Easy Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole

The smell of a Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole baking low and slow on a Sunday morning? That’s a little slice of Texas heaven right there. I can still picture my mama pulling this out for potlucks after church. These days, with two little ones underfoot, my trusty slow cooker is my best friend. I’ve probably made this tater tot casserole at least a dozen times in my own kitchen, tweaking it until it’s just right. Get ready for a simple, satisfying meal that the whole family will devour, even the picky eaters!

This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole recipe is comfort food, plain and simple. It’s easy, customizable, and, most importantly, it feeds a crowd without me having to spend all day chained to the stove. You’re going to love how hands-off this is!

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, between school drop-offs, soccer practice, and trying to keep the house (somewhat) clean, who has time for complicated dinners? This recipe is a lifesaver because:

• It’s incredibly easy: Just dump, stir, and forget about it!
• It’s kid-approved: What kid doesn’t love tater tots? Sneak in some extra veggies, and they’ll never know.
• It’s perfect for meal prepping: Assemble it in the morning, and dinner is ready when you walk in the door.

After countless tests (and happy family taste testers), I’ve nailed down the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this casserole. Trust me; this one’s a keeper!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down some of these ingredients and talk about substitutions if you need ’em:

• Ground Beef: I usually go for a lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid excess grease. You could also use ground turkey or even shredded cooked chicken.
• Cream of Soups: These are the key to that creamy, comforting texture. If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, you can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of cheddar soup.
• Rotel: These diced tomatoes with green chilies add a little kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild Rotel or regular diced tomatoes with a pinch of chili powder.
• Cheddar Cheese: A good sharp cheddar gives the casserole a nice flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
• Tater Tots: The star of the show! I prefer the classic tater tots, but you could also use sweet potato tots or even mini potato rounds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole:

Step 1: Brown the Beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a soggy casserole!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Cooking the onion first releases its flavor and prevents it from being crunchy in the casserole.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef and onion, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Rotel, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add Cheese. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping later.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole. Pour the beef mixture into a lightly greased 6-quart slow cooker. Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 6: Top with Tater Tots. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.

Step 7: Cook. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the tater tots are golden brown and heated through. After testing this several times, I learned that cooking on low gives the casserole a richer flavor, but high works in a pinch when you’re short on time.

Step 8: Add Remaining Cheese. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years to make this casserole even better:

• Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: If your slow cooker is too full, the casserole won’t cook evenly. Use a larger slow cooker if needed.
• Prevent soggy tater tots: To prevent the tater tots from getting soggy, make sure the beef mixture isn’t too watery. Drain the ground beef well, and don’t add any extra liquid to the soup mixture.
• Add some veggies: Sneak in some chopped bell peppers, corn, or green beans to add extra nutrients. My kids never even notice!
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a little extra heat.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Add the tater tots just before cooking to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Reheat leftovers: Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Crispy Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes after adding the cheese, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Storage & Meal Prep

This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Here’s how to store it and reheat it:

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the tater tots may not be as crispy.
• Meal Prep: To meal prep, assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Add the tater tots just before cooking to prevent them from getting soggy. This makes busy weeknights a breeze.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. I haven’t personally tested this, but I’ve heard good things about some of the vegan cheddar shreds out there.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
• Spicy: Add a can of diced jalapenos to the beef mixture for a spicier kick.
• Italian: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, and add a can of marinara sauce to the soup mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef, and add buffalo wing sauce to the soup mixture. Top with crumbled blue cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without the tater tots) the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Add the tater tots just before cooking to prevent them from getting soggy.

How do I know when it’s done?

The casserole is done when the tater tots are golden brown and heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. A good rule of thumb is 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the slow cooker.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Definitely! Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even Italian sausage would all work great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What can I substitute for the cream of soups?

If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with cream of celery or cream of cheddar soup. You can also use a homemade cream sauce for a healthier option.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Most kids love tater tots, and the creamy sauce is mild and comforting. You can also sneak in some extra veggies to make it even healthier.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy tater tots, make sure the beef mixture isn’t too watery. Drain the ground beef well, and don’t add any extra liquid to the soup mixture. Adding the tater tots right before cooking can also help.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round it out:

• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic bread

For plating, you can sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color. Portion sizes depend on your family’s appetite, but a generous scoop per person is usually enough.

There you have it – my go-to recipe for Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole! It’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The combination of savory beef, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots is simply irresistible. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with more time to spend with your family.

I truly hope this recipe becomes a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear about your family’s twist on this classic Texas comfort food. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other family-friendly slow cooker meals and sign up for my newsletter to get more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking, y’all!

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