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Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/crockpot-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/