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Crockpot Tatertot Casserole

A comforting and easy slow-cooked casserole featuring crispy tater tots, ground beef, and creamy sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Aromatics
  • 1 pound ground beef, 85 to 90 percent lean Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic Or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces Cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used instead.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Optional for extra creaminess.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk Optional, for a looser sauce.
Vegetables and Toppings
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables Peas and carrots or corn, optional.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided.
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots, 28 to 32 ounces
  • to taste salt and black pepper
Miscellaneous
  • as needed cooking spray For the slow cooker insert.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the beef: Set a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drain excess grease.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, stir together the condensed soup, sour cream, and Worcestershire. If you like a looser sauce, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Layer in the slow cooker: Lightly spray the slow cooker. Scatter half of the tater tots on the bottom in a single layer. Spread the cooked beef and onions over the tots. If using mixed vegetables, sprinkle them on. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Finish with a neat single layer of the remaining tater tots.
  2. Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours, or on High for 2.5 to 3 hours. For a crisper top, place a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels under the lid to catch excess condensation. Do not stir during cooking.
  3. Cheese finish: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar over the top. Cover just until the cheese melts.
  4. Optional extra crisp: If you want the top ultra crispy, carefully scoop the top layer of tots into an air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes at 400 degrees, then place them back on top and serve.

Notes

Add a simple green salad or steamed green beans on the side. Leftovers reheat perfectly. To make this a bacon ranch version, stir 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning into the soup mixture and sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon between the beef layer and top tots.