Description
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hands-off meal made with seasoned ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, vegetables, and crispy tater tots. This easy crock pot recipe delivers a hearty and family-friendly dinner perfect for busy days, combining rich flavors with minimal prep and slow cooking convenience.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn or mixed vegetables
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Cook onion and garlic: Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Season the beef mixture: Season the cooked beef and vegetables with salt, black pepper, and paprika, stirring to combine evenly.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle frozen vegetables over the beef layer. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the vegetables. Then, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the cheese.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until heated through and the flavors meld.
- Optional crisping: For crispier tater tots, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking if your slow cooker allows. Alternatively, you can transfer the casserole to the oven and broil briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- To achieve extra crispiness on top, briefly broil the casserole in the oven before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer, maintaining flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
