Description
This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, crispy tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with a hands-off slow cooking method.
Ingredients
Main 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.
- Layer Tater Tots: Add about half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them into an even layer for a crispy base.
- Mix Beef Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the browned ground beef, cheese sauce, taco seasoning, minced onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Assemble Layers: Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the tater tots in the crockpot, then top with the remaining tater tots arranged in a single layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the final tater tot layer to create a cheesy crust.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tater tots to become crisp and golden.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, serve warm, and enjoy your comforting casserole.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped green chilies to the beef mixture.
- Ensure beef is fully browned and drained to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- You can switch up the cheese by using Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different taste.
- If you prefer crispy tater tots, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after cooking in the crockpot.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
