Ultimate Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole: An Easy Family Dinner Recipe
Imagine a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. That’s exactly what you get with this delicious Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole! This recipe is a true family favorite, bringing together savory ground beef, sweet corn, a rich and creamy sauce made with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk, all topped with a generous layer of crispy (or delightfully soft in the slow cooker!) tater tots and plenty of gooey, melted cheese. It’s an irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone asking for seconds – and maybe even thirds!
Looking for a quicker alternative? You can also make this easy tater tot casserole in the oven, ready in just under an hour! For other satisfying meals that hit the spot when hunger strikes, be sure to try my Crockpot Salisbury Steak or Slow Cooker Short Ribs.
When school is in full swing and evenings are packed with activities, an easy slow cooker recipe like this one can truly be a lifesaver. This dish perfectly fits the bill, offering a wholesome and delicious meal that the entire family will adore, even your pickiest eaters. After all, who can resist a warm, hearty casserole featuring golden tater tots and an abundance of melted, bubbling cheese? Certainly not me!
This Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is more than just tasty; it’s incredibly filling, surprisingly simple to prepare, and super budget-friendly. It’s typically made with staple ingredients you likely already have on hand: lean ground beef, a can of creamy soup, a bag of frozen tater tots, cheddar cheese, milk, onion, frozen corn, a touch of Worcestershire sauce, and basic seasonings. This combination creates the ultimate comfort food, making it an ideal solution for a busy weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
One of the best aspects of this Slow Cooker Tater Tot Hotdish is its incredible versatility. The recipe is incredibly forgiving, allowing you to easily swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry or fridge, or to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you use ground turkey instead of ground beef, substitute green beans for corn, or even switch up the type of condensed soup, the casserole remains consistently delicious. With so many possible combinations to explore, your family will never grow tired of this adaptable and satisfying meal.
Essential Ingredients for Your Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole
This section provides detailed ingredient notes and offers fantastic substitution options to help you customize your casserole. For all precise measurements, a complete ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
- Ground Beef: We recommend using lean ground beef to minimize fat and calories, which also saves you the extra step of draining excessive grease. However, ground turkey or even ground chicken are excellent, lighter alternatives that work wonderfully in this casserole.
- Onion: Diced white or yellow onions are ideal for casseroles, as they cook down beautifully and add a foundational savory flavor without being overpowering. You can also use shallots for a milder onion flavor.
- Corn: Frozen corn is incredibly convenient and works perfectly here, adding a touch of sweetness and texture. If using canned corn, ensure it is thoroughly drained to prevent excess liquid. Fresh corn cut straight from the cob during peak season would also be a delicious upgrade!
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: This classic ingredient forms the rich and creamy base of your sauce. If mushrooms aren’t a favorite in your household (like mine!), cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or even cream of cheddar soup are fantastic substitutes that maintain the creamy consistency and savory flavor profile.
- Milk: A splash of milk is essential for thinning out the condensed soup, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that envelops all the other ingredients in creamy goodness. Any milk (dairy or non-dairy unsweetened) will work.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is key to adding a delightful tangy, rich flavor and an extra layer of creaminess to the casserole, balancing the savory notes of the meat and soup. Greek yogurt can be a lighter, tangy alternative.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Don’t skip this! Worcestershire sauce provides a unique umami depth and a subtly meaty, savory flavor that truly elevates the entire dish, giving it that comforting, “moreish” quality.
- Seasonings: Our basic recipe calls for garlic powder, salt, and pepper – simple yet effective in enhancing the natural flavors. For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of onion powder, or a blend like Creole seasoning would be a fantastic addition to spice things up.
- Tater Tots: These golden potato nuggets are undeniably the star of this casserole! Layering frozen tater tots on top ensures that classic potato flavor and texture. While they won’t get super crispy in the slow cooker, they become wonderfully tender and absorb the savory flavors below.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is our top recommendation for its robust flavor that stands out in the casserole. However, feel free to use mild cheddar for a more subtle taste, or experiment with a blend like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles and melting qualities.
Essential Equipment for Your Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
To effortlessly prepare this comforting and easy casserole, gather these basic kitchen tools:
- Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal to accommodate all the ingredients for this hearty casserole.
- Large Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions before adding them to the slow cooker, which is crucial for building deep flavor.
- Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring liquid ingredients like milk and sour cream, and ensuring consistent results every time.
- Measuring Spoons: Perfect for precise measurements of seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For safely and efficiently dicing the onion.
- Cheese Grater (Optional): If you prefer to shred your own block cheese (which often melts better than pre-shredded varieties), a good grater will come in handy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
This section walks you through the entire cooking process with clear, step-by-step instructions and accompanying photos. For the complete printable recipe, including exact measurements and nutritional information, please see the recipe card provided below.
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Base. Begin by adding your ground beef and diced onions to a large skillet. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened and translucent. This browning step is crucial for developing rich flavor. If using regular ground beef, drain off any excess grease before transferring the flavorful meat mixture to the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling. Into the slow cooker with the beef mixture, add the frozen corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Ensure everything is evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Tater Tots. Carefully arrange a single, even layer of frozen tater tots on top of the creamy beef and corn mixture. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible. This top layer will get beautifully tender and infuse with the flavors below as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection. Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Cook the tater tot casserole on the LOW setting for approximately 4-6 hours. Cooking times can vary based on your specific slow cooker, so keep an eye on it after about 4 hours. The casserole is ready when the tater tots are tender and the filling is bubbly and heated through.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese. About 10 minutes before you plan to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tater tots. Replace the lid on the slow cooker and allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese has completely melted into a gloriously gooey, golden layer.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Tater Tot Casserole
While Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is a wonderfully complete meal all on its own, you can easily elevate and stretch the meal by pairing it with some delightful side dishes. These additions not only add nutritional value but also complement the rich flavors of the casserole beautifully. Hearty vegetable options like our creamy creamed spinach or a refreshing bacon cheddar broccoli salad are excellent choices to add some freshness and greens to your plate.
For an even simpler approach, we love to serve our casserole with a medley of mixed vegetables, a vibrant copycat Olive Garden salad, and a side of warm, crusty bread or fluffy cornbread muffins. These starchy sides are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that incredibly flavorful, creamy sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a fantastic way to cut through the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing element to your meal.
Storing Your Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy the deliciousness of this casserole for days to come!
Refrigerator: To store leftover tater tot casserole, simply transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days. When reheating, individual portions can be warmed in the microwave, or a larger portion can be heated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed through.
Freezer: While you can technically freeze leftovers, we generally don’t recommend it for this particular dish. The freezing and subsequent thawing process can significantly affect the texture and consistency of both the tater tots (making them mushy) and the dairy-based ingredients in the creamy sauce (which can sometimes separate). Plus, in our experience, this casserole is so incredibly tasty and gets gobbled up so quickly that there are rarely enough leftovers to even consider freezing!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Your Crock Pot Tater Tot Hot Dish
- Easy Cleanup: For a hassle-free cleanup, always spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray before adding ingredients, or use a disposable slow cooker liner. This will save you scrubbing time later!
- For Crispier Tots: While slow cooker tots won’t achieve oven-crispiness, you can get a touch more texture by pre-baking the frozen tater tots for about 10-15 minutes in a hot oven (around 400°F/200°C) until slightly firm, before adding them to the slow cooker. This optional step helps them hold their shape better and adds a subtle crispness.
- Lighten it Up: If you’re looking to reduce calories and fat, you can easily lighten this recipe by opting for reduced-fat condensed soup, skim milk, light sour cream, and low-fat shredded cheese. Using lean ground turkey instead of beef also helps.
- More Tots, Please! If your family is crazy for tater tots, consider adding a layer of tots at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the meat mixture, in addition to the top layer. You can truly never go wrong with more tater tots!
- Monitor Cooking Time: Remember that all slow cookers vary. Some run hotter or cooler than others, so cooking time may be slightly less or more than the suggested 4-6 hours. Since the ground beef is cooked beforehand, the main goal is for the tater tots to be tender and the casserole to be heated through. Avoid constantly lifting the lid, as this releases heat and prolongs cooking.
- Brown for Flavor: Don’t just cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink; allow it to get a nice brown sear. This creates a deeper, more complex flavor thanks to the Maillard reaction, which significantly enhances the taste of your casserole.
Creative Additions and Variations for Your Tater Tot Casserole
This Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole is a fantastic base for endless customization. Get creative and make it your own!
- Try a Different Meat: Out of ground beef? No problem at all! Swap it out with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use ground chicken. For a unique twist, shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) can also be used to create a yummy chicken tater tot casserole. Ground pork sausage is another delicious alternative for a richer flavor.
- Swap Out the Veggies: Instead of (or in addition to) corn, introduce other vegetables. Try frozen peas, diced carrots, fresh or frozen green beans, or even some finely chopped broccoli florets. For a Southwestern flair, incorporate diced bell peppers (any color) and a can of drained black beans into the beef mixture.
- Use a Different “Cream Of” Soup: While cream of mushroom is classic, feel free to experiment with other condensed soups. Cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or even a can of cheddar cheese soup (for an extra cheesy kick!) work just as well and can alter the flavor profile significantly.
- Add Flavorful Toppings: Elevate your casserole with extra toppings right before serving. A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions adds a burst of color and mild oniony flavor, while crumbled, crispy bacon bits offer an irresistible salty crunch. A dollop of extra sour cream or a dash of hot sauce can also be delicious.
- Spice it Up: If your family enjoys a bit of heat, you can easily spice up this dish. Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture, or stir in some diced jalapeños (fresh or canned) for a noticeable kick. A tablespoon or two of taco seasoning mixed with the beef can transform it into a Tex-Mex inspired tater tot casserole.
- Make it Even Cheesier: For the ultimate cheese lover, simply add an extra ½ cup to 1 cup of shredded cheese to the top layer. Beyond cheddar, try different types of cheese for unique flavors: pepper jack cheese for a fun spicy kick, a Mexican blend, or a triple cheddar blend will all melt beautifully and add distinct notes.
- Go Vegetarian: This casserole can easily be adapted for a vegetarian diet. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute crumble, cooked lentils, or a combination of black beans and bell peppers. Just ensure you use vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce (some contain anchovies) and cream of mushroom soup.
- Make a Breakfast Tater Tot Casserole: For a hearty breakfast or brunch option, swap out the ground beef for ground breakfast sausage. You can also add cooked and crumbled bacon or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole FAQ
A soggy tater tot casserole, particularly in a slow cooker, is often due to excess liquid or the nature of slow cooking itself. While you shouldn’t expect the tater tots to get crispy in this method (they’ll be delightfully soft and tender), if the bottom layer is excessively watery, you might have added a little too much milk or the condensed soup contained more liquid. Ensuring you drain any grease from the ground beef and not adding water to the soup will help prevent this.
Absolutely, both canned and fresh corn work perfectly fine in this recipe. If you’re using canned corn, it’s crucial to drain it very well to avoid adding too much moisture to the casserole. For fresh corn, aim for about 12 ounces (or a little over 2 cups of kernels). Typically, two medium ears of corn will yield approximately 2 cups or 10 ounces of corn kernels, as a good guideline.
Tater tot casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or carrots, or a side of warm, crusty bread are all excellent choices. These sides offer a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole and ensure a well-rounded meal.
“Tater tot hotdish” is essentially the Midwestern name for what many others call a tater tot casserole. In the Midwest, a “hotdish” refers to a simple, baked one-dish meal that typically consists of a starch (like tater tots, pasta, or rice), a protein (usually ground meat), canned or frozen vegetables, and a creamy binder, often a condensed soup. Cheese is almost always a welcome addition to complete the dish.
Yes, you absolutely can! While cream of mushroom soup is traditional for this recipe, cream of chicken soup is a very popular and delicious alternative. You could also experiment with cream of celery or even a cheddar cheese soup if you want to emphasize the cheesy flavor. Choose the one that best suits your family’s preferences!
No, you should not add water to the condensed soup for this recipe. Unlike some recipes where water is used to reconstitute the soup, this tater tot casserole calls for adding milk and sour cream. These dairy ingredients provide plenty of liquid to create a perfectly creamy sauce without making it watery, ensuring your casserole has the ideal consistency.
More Delicious Crockpot Recipes for Busy Nights
Harness the power of your slow cooker to get a homecooked, comforting meal on the table, even on the busiest of nights. These family favorites are perfect for dinner this week:
- Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes — A uniquely delicious and incredibly filling twist on classic sloppy joes, packed with all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak.
- Crockpot Steak Bites — Tender, succulent bites of steak smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Serve them over a generous pile of creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
- Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs — This classic recipe is a true family favorite, delivering perfectly tender meatballs in a creamy, tangy sauce. Absolutely mouthwatering served over wide egg noodles.
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta — The epitome of comfort food, this dish is bursting with savory garlic and Parmesan flavors, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night.
Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 12 ounces frozen corn
- 10.5 ounce cream of mushroom soup (1 can)
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 20 ounces frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
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Add the ground beef and onions to a large skillet. Cook, stirring often, over medium-high heat until meat is browned. Drain off grease (if necessary) and transfer to your slow cooker.
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Add the corn, cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
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Top with a single layer of tater tots.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the tater tots 10 minutes before serving. Replace the lid and allow to cook for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can easily mix in additional veggies such as diced carrots, peas, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
- For dietary preferences or if you’re out of cream of mushroom, cream of chicken soup can be used as a delicious alternative.
- This recipe is wonderfully versatile and works great with ground turkey or even ground chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
- Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. We don’t recommend freezing this casserole to maintain optimal texture.
Nutrition
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