Description
This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy days. It layers crispy tater tots with a savory ground beef and cheese sauce mixture, melted cheddar, and a touch of taco seasoning, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. The result is a deliciously cheesy and satisfying casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Layer the First Tater Tots: Add about half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot and spread into an even layer to create the base of the casserole.
- Mix the Beef Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the browned and drained ground beef, cheese sauce, taco seasoning, minced onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until everything is incorporated evenly.
- Add the Beef Mixture: Spoon the beef and cheese sauce mixture over the layer of tater tots in the crockpot. Spread it out evenly to cover the base layer.
- Top with Remaining Tater Tots: Arrange the remaining frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef mixture to create another crispy layer.
- Add the Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tater tots to ensure a cheesy finish.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours. This slow cooking melts the cheese and cooks the tater tots to tender perfection while blending the flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve warm. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture.
- Make sure to brown and drain the ground beef properly to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- Do not stir the casserole during cooking to maintain the layered texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
