Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that you’ll want to make time and time again. This dish combines layers of crispy tater tots, savory ground beef, and rich creamy ingredients to create a hearty meal that everyone will love. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also allows you to toss all the ingredients in your crockpot and let them cook while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or taking it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to please a crowd and become a new family favorite.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
This recipe shines for several reasons. First and foremost, the convenience of the crockpot means you can prep your meal in minutes and let it cook without constant attention. The combination of tater tots and various savory ingredients creates a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Plus, this dish is customizable—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste preferences or make use of whatever ingredients you already have on hand. It’s a terrific one-pot meal that is bound to leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering flavor and texture that complements the star of the show—the tater tots.
List of ingredients with measurements
- 32 ounces (900 g) frozen tater tots
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 10.5 ounces (300 g) canned cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, green beans)
- 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole Directions
Making Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole is wonderfully straightforward. Here are the easy-to-follow steps that will guide you through the process of creating this hearty dish.
- Prepare the crockpot: Start by spraying the bottom of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents your casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Layer the tater tots: Evenly spread half of the frozen tater tots in the bottom of the crockpot. This serves as a delicious base that will soak up all the flavors as it cooks.
- Cook the beef and onion: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the diced onion. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook the mixture until the beef is no longer pink, making sure to crumble it while cooking for even distribution. After cooking, drain the excess grease and transfer the mixture into a separate mixing bowl.
- Create the filling: Next, to the bowl with the cooked beef, you’ll add in the milk, canned cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined. You want to ensure that all your ingredients are mixed evenly for every bite to be delicious.
- Assemble the casserole: Take the beef mixture and spread it evenly over the layer of tater tots in the crockpot. Afterward, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Finally, layer the remaining tater tots on top of the cheese and finish off by adding the rest of the cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook the casserole: Cover your crockpot with the lid and let it cook. You can set it on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours. You’re aiming for the tater tots to become golden and heated through, and the cheese to melt into a gooey topping.
How to Serve Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
Serving your Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole is a breeze. Given its hearty and rustic nature, you can simply dish out generous portions onto plates. You might want to serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole. For a bit of freshness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of chopped green onions. This meal pairs beautifully with your favorite soft drinks or a cold iced tea during warmer months. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, you’ll appreciate how easy and tasty this dish is.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
- Meat Variations: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Vegetable Choices: The mixed vegetables can be tailored to your family’s favorites. Feel free to add or switch out for your preferred vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is an excellent choice, mixing in some Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a twist to the flavor profile.
- Add Spices: If you’re a fan of spice, try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispiness, consider pre-baking the tater tots slightly before adding them to the crockpot.
How to Store Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, storing your Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole is simple. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place portions of the casserole in freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Variation of Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
Your Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole doesn’t have to be one-dimensional! There are countless variations to explore that can keep this dish exciting every time you make it. You can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a cheese soup for an ultra-creamy version. If you like a touch of southwestern flavor, consider adding black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling. An Italian twist can be achieved with the addition of marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, topped with mozzarella cheese. For a breakfast version, you might mix in scrambled eggs and sausage or bacon before layering it with the tater tots. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment!
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole?
Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting dish made with layers of tater tots, ground beef, and various savory ingredients, all cooked in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to make Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole?
Cooking time for Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole ranges from 3–4 hours on high or 6–8 hours on low, depending on your crockpot’s settings.
Can I prepare Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator before cooking. Just raw ingredients can be assembled and added to the crockpot when you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole?
Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or some tangy pickles for added crunch.
Is it possible to freeze leftover Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Enjoy crafting this crowd-pleaser that’s not only simple to make but also provides that warm, home-cooked feel that everyone craves!
Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Layers
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots Used as the base and topping.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20) Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 10.5 ounces canned cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup For added creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas, green beans) Feel free to swap in your choice of vegetables.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Consider mixing varieties for a flavor twist.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by spraying the bottom of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread half of the frozen tater tots in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the diced onion. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, crumbling as it cooks.
- Drain excess grease and transfer the beef and onion mixture to a mixing bowl.
- Add milk, canned cream of mushroom or chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and frozen mixed vegetables to the bowl, stirring until well combined.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the layer of tater tots in the crockpot, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Layer the remaining tater tots on top and finish with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot with the lid, setting it to cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
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