Hey y'all! If you're craving a hearty, comforting dinner without any fuss, this Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself is your new weeknight hero. Imagine golden tater tots, gooey cheese, and savory beef all melded together—what's not to love? Whether it's a busy school night, a potluck, or a cozy Sunday supper, this casserole brings creamy, crispy, and cheesy goodness to the table with minimal effort. So grab your slow cooker, and let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
- Effortless Prep: Minimal chopping and pre-cooking—just layer and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures make it a hit with adults and kids alike.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time at the sink.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Preps in advance and stays warm for parties or busy days.
- Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients for special diets or personal preferences.
Ingredients for Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (lean or 80/20)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (see nutritional info)
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- ½ cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for extra veggies)
- Cooking spray
How to Make Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
Step 1: Prep the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onions are tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Stir this mixture, along with frozen peas and carrots (if using), into the cooked beef and onion.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spray the inside of your slow cooker (4-6 quart recommended) with cooking spray. Spread half the frozen tater tots in an even layer on the bottom. Top with half the beef mixture, then sprinkle with 1 cup cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tater tots, beef mixture, and cheese.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or HIGH for 2 ½-3 hours, until the tater tots are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or briefly broil the top (if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe).
Notes for the Best Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
- Use lean ground beef for less grease, or swap in ground turkey for a lighter touch.
- For a crispier finish, briefly broil the casserole in an oven-safe insert (learn about oven-safe slow cookers).
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and slice cleanly.
Variations on Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
- Breakfast Style: Use cooked breakfast sausage, add scrambled eggs, and swap in pepper jack cheese for a morning version.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on veggies—try mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn, then top with sliced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cilantro.
Required Equipment
- 4-6 quart slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray
- Spatula or spoon
Storage Instructions for Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the casserole into airtight freezer containers and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot (165°F/74°C).
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for balance.
- Pair with tangy pickles or a side of coleslaw.
- Try it with a glass of sweet tea or a light lager.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
- Don't thaw the tater tots—add them frozen for best texture and structure (tater tot tips).
- Grate your own cheese for a meltier, creamier layer versus pre-shredded cheese.
- Lightly press each layer with a spatula to help the casserole set and cut neatly.
FAQ: Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole That Practically Cooks Itself
- Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day. - Can I use different soups?
Absolutely—cream of chicken or cream of celery work just as well for a different flavor profile. - How do I prevent sogginess?
Keep the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes, or broil the top for a crispy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
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2In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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3Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker. Spread half of the tater tots in an even layer on the bottom.
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4Layer the cooked beef and onion mixture over the tater tots. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the beef.
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5Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add the remaining tater tots, then top with the remaining cheese.
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6Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the tater tots are cooked through and the cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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