There’s something magical about a dish that comes together effortlessly yet delivers so much comfort and flavor. Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is that kind of dish—a creamy, cheesy, savory casserole layered with ground beef, vegetables, and golden tater tots that cook to perfection in your slow cooker.
The first time I made this, I was amazed by how a handful of simple ingredients transformed into a family-pleasing meal. The crockpot did all the work, and the smell alone had everyone lining up for seconds before it was even ready.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your tastes, and it’s just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for a potluck. Let’s dive in and create this Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole—a true comfort food classic.
The Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and creamy dish made with layers of ground beef, vegetables, cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
An Exciting Story:
The first time I served this Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole at a game night, it disappeared before the second round of cards. My husband loved the crispy tater tots, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the cheesy layers. Now, it’s a go-to recipe whenever I want a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal.
Why This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole?
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep—just layer and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Family-Friendly: A meal everyone loves, from kids to adults.
- Hearty and Comforting: Creamy, cheesy, and filling.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein.
- Perfect for Busy Days: A hands-off dinner solution for hectic schedules.
What You Need for Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole
- For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or use two cans of the same soup)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sour cream
How to Make Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Casserole Base:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and frozen vegetables.
- Assemble the Layers in the Crockpot:
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Pour the soup and vegetable mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the soup layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add the Final Cheese Layer:
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips for Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole
- Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tater tots, transfer the dish to the oven under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.
- Use Fresh Veggies: If you prefer fresh vegetables, sauté them with the beef before layering.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Use Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby-Jack.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top for extra flavor.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Replace cream soups with homemade versions using a roux and broth.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
Closing for Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole:
And there you have it—Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole that’s as comforting as it is effortless. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our slow cooker classics!
Frequently Asked Questions for Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the layers in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as directed. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave. - What if I don’t have cream soup?
Make a quick homemade version by whisking together butter, flour, milk, and broth until thickened. - Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, thinly sliced potatoes can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. - What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with a side salad or steamed green beans for a complete meal. - How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the ground beef and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. - Can I use a smaller crockpot?
Yes, adjust the recipe quantities to fit a smaller slow cooker. - What’s a fun twist?
Add barbecue sauce to the beef layer for a smoky flavor. - How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
Keep the tots on top and avoid stirring during cooking. - Can I add cream cheese?
Yes, mix softened cream cheese into the soup layer for extra creaminess. - What’s a creative serving idea?
Serve in individual ramekins for a cute, portioned presentation!
Crockpot Tatertot Casserole
4
30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
1 lb 1 ground beef or ground turkey
1 small 1 onion, diced
1 tsp 1 garlic powder
1 tsp 1 salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 can 1 cream of mushroom soup
1 can 1 cream of chicken soup (or use two cans of the same soup)
1 cup 1 frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
2 cups 2 shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag 1 frozen tater tots
- Optional Garnishes:
Chopped fresh parsley
Sour cream
Directions
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Casserole Base:
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and frozen vegetables.
- Assemble the Layers in the Crockpot:
- Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Pour the soup and vegetable mixture over the beef.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the soup layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add the Final Cheese Layer:
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
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