Slow Cooker Taco Tater Tot Casserole
A couple of years ago I was apparently living in a cave and had never even heard of tater tot casserole until a friend told me about it. Sounded pretty simple and soon my family was hooked. I mean, it’s kid friendly (what kid won’t eat tater tots?!) plus even as grown-ups we all kinda still love the stuff even if we don’t really want to admit it. But I guess that’s the other cool thing about it is that you can make it in so many ways that it will appeal to just about anyone’s tastes. And you know me. I can never leave well enough along and I’m now I’m my third version. Tater tots for breakfast, anyone?
I think we all have them. You know, those go to style recipes that we maybe modify just a little but, really, anytime we are in a pinch to get dinner done we go back to our basic comfort zone. For me, it’s usually what I call “taco stuff”. Sometimes it’s tacos or it could be taco salad or burritos. Either way, it’s the same basic ingredients that I know I can throw together quickly and get people fed. Not glamorous, but sometimes it’s not meant to be.
This recipe kind of comes together as a combo of those things my family loves and things I can get on the table quickly. It’s essentially a taco meat style recipe doctored up with a few more ingredients and topped off with tater tots. And did you notice? No packages of taco seasoning!! This is cooked up with loads of tomatoes, salsa, corn, peppers, onions…. you get the picture. Lots of fresh taste and that is what will take your family taco night to a whole new level.
What are your go to family meals? Will this soon be making an appearance in the rotation?
Taco Tater Tot Casserole (In The Slow Cooker)
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
- 15 ounces black beans drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes drained (1 can)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 4 oz whipped cream cheese
- 2 pounds tater tots
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 8 oz shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add beef, onion, garlic, and jalapeño
- Break up beef as it cooks and stir as needed to brown evenly and cook the veggies
- Once ground beef is fully cooked and veggies are softened, you can spoon off any excess grease
- Add black beans, tomatoes, corn, and cream cheese and stir to combine well
- Heat through for 3-5 minutes
- Spray slow cooker well with nonstick canola oil spray
- Add half the tater tots on bottom, then top with ground beef mixture
- Top with remaining tots, drizzle with salsa, and cover with shredded cheese
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, or until tater tots are hot and slightly crispy on the edges and the cheese is fully melted
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, or freeze in a tightly sealed container (with extra wrap to prevent freezer burn) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture and to restore some crispiness.
- For the best melt and texture, shred cheese from a block if possible.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy tater tots.
- To prevent excess moisture, thoroughly drain canned ingredients well and use a thicker salsa if desired.
- If you use a casserole-style slow cooker, layer the filling on the bottom, all the tots on top, then finish with salsa and cheese.
Nutrition
If using a casserole style slow cooker
add all filling on bottom and all tots on top then covered with salsa and cheese
Tater tot casserole is a great dish to make up ahead of time and save time on a busy day!!
Want more tater tot casserole?
Try these tater tot casseroles in your slow cooker too!!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Make-Ahead and Freeze Tater Tot Casserole
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I made this a couple of days ago. I will use my casserole slow cooker next time. I had a pound of ground beef cooked and broken up. The change I made was to use taco seasoning in it. I will probably leave the salsa off.
Let me know how it turns out, thank you for your comment!