Description

This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of crispy tater tots sandwich a savory ground beef mixture enhanced with cheese sauce and taco seasoning, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro, this hearty casserole serves up classic flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Layer the Tater Tots: Add about half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot and spread them out evenly to form a base layer.
Mix the Beef Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the browned and drained ground beef with the cheese sauce, taco seasoning, minced onion, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the prepared beef mixture over the layer of tater tots in the crockpot, spreading it evenly to cover the tots completely.
Top with Remaining Tots: Arrange the remaining frozen tater tots over the beef mixture in a single layer to create the top layer of the casserole.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tater tots for a cheesy finish.
Cook the Casserole: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2½ hours, allowing the tater tots to cook through and cheese to melt wonderfully.
Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, serve the casserole warm and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Adding minced garlic to the beef mixture can enhance the flavor.
To make this dish spicier, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the beef mixture.
Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
Ensure the tater tots are evenly distributed for consistent layering.
This casserole can be prepared in advance by assembling in the crockpot the night before and refrigerating until cooking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.