Layers of tater tots, meat and veggies are covered in a simple sauce and cooked until hot and bubbly. It’s easy, creamy and oh so yummy! The best part is, this tater tot casserole is so versatile depending on what is in your fridge!
I love casseroles from Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole to Homemade Mac and Cheese, there’s just something so comforting about a hot and bubbly meal coming out of the oven. While this easy Tater Tot casserole isn’t the prettiest dish ever, it definitely tastes amazing! Of all of the versions out there, I definitely think this is the best Tater Tot casserole because it’s so easy to put together yet really delivers on flavor (well, this and of course Mexican Tater Tot Casserole). I start with a layer of tater tots on the bottom of a slow cooker (I use a 4QT CrockPot for this recipe), and top it with a layer of ground beef. I use frozen veggies right from the freezer meaning no prep required and then top with another layer of Tater Tots. A quick and simple sauce is added with a bit of cheese and it all cooks to perfection in the CrockPot. Easy peazy right?!
Once cooked, this Tater Tot Casserole is absolutely delicious and actually reminds me of a cottage pie (which is the same as Shepherd’s Pie with beef instead of lamb). Surprisingly enough, cooking this in the slow cooker you still get the crusty bits on the edges (which is one of my favorite parts). While I use frozen veggies, you can use fresh veggies in this recipe too! The frozen makes it easy because they don’t require any prep, I just give them a quick rinse in a strainer and pour them into the slow cooker. If you’re using fresh veggies, there is no need to pre-cook them, just dice them fairly small and they’ll cook along with the rest of the dish.
The whole dish will take you literally just minutes to put into your slow cooker and you can use whatever you have on hand! I’ve added lean ground beef and frozen vegetables into this tater tot casserole but use up any leftover beef, chicken or turkey you might have! While I most often cook this in the slow cooker, of course Tater Tot Casserole can be baked in the oven to golden perfection as well. Simply place the beef layer in a 9×13 pan (or any casserole dish will do) and top with veggies and then Tater Tots. Sprinkle with cheese and sauce and bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. This easy Slow Cooker Tater Tot casserole is a complete meal in itself but we usually serve with a nice fresh green salad and some crusty bread! Repin this Super Casserole © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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title: “Tater Tot Casserole” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-23” author: “Erica Benward”
Seasoned ground beef and veggies are mix with a quick and creamy sauce, and then baked under a layer of crispy tater tots.
Ingredients for Tater Tot Casserole
Beef – Use lean ground beef (80/20) which has just enough fat for flavor. Ground turkey or ground pork can be used in place. Vegetables – Use either mixed frozen veggies or chop your own vegetables. Try frozen or canned corn, peas, or green beans. Sauce – The sauce starts with condensed mushroom soup, milk, and a few spices. Cheese – Sharp cheddar is my favorite choice for flavor.
Variations
Swap the mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup, cream of celery, or even leftover gravy. Change the seasonings based on what you have on hand. Italian seasoning and garlic powder are great additions.
How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
This tater tot casserole recipe is a family favorite recipe all year long.
Make Ahead Meal
To freeze this tater tot casserole, line a casserole dish with parchment paper overhanging on each longer side. Assemble the casserole and freeze. Once frozen,gently lift the frozen casserole out of the dish and wrap it in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 4 months. To bake, unwrap the frozen casserole and place it in the same casserole dish it was prepared in. Thaw in refrigerator over night and bake as directed.
Storing Leftovers
Tater tot casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or the oven or air fryer for crispier tots. Individual portions can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Did you make this Tater Tot Casserole? Leave us a rating and a comment below! © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
