Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy days. With layers of crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort.

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 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 into 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 diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a crispier top, transfer the finished casserole to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes before serving.
• Fresh cilantro adds a bright contrast but can be omitted if you’re not a fan.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the layers in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Just add a bit more cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

It is best to freeze before cooking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe container, freeze, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.

Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

This hearty Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole combines crispy tater tots, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and melted cheddar cheese into an easy, comforting slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots

Meat 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 the 2 cups)

Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup for meat mixture, 1 cup for topping)
• Freshly chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Layer Tater Tots (Bottom): Add about half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot and spread them evenly into a single layer to form the base.
3. Make 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. Mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Add Beef Layer: Spoon the beef and cheese sauce mixture over the bottom layer of tater tots in the crockpot and spread it evenly for consistent flavor distribution.
5. Layer Tater Tots (Top): Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the beef mixture, forming a single even layer to create the top crust.
6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top layer of tater tots to provide a cheesy finish.
7. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours until the tater tots are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, then serve warm and enjoy this comforting casserole.

Notes

• For best results, do not thaw tater tots before layering; cook them frozen.
• To reduce sodium, use low-sodium taco seasoning and cheese sauce varieties.
• You can add diced bell peppers or onions to the beef mixture for extra flavor and veggies.
• This casserole can be prepared on LOW for 4-5 hours if a longer cooking time is preferred.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Keywords: crockpot tater tot casserole, slow cooker casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, ground beef casserole