Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole

Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is one of my go-to comfort food recipes when I want something hearty, cheesy, and family-friendly. With layers of ground beef, creamy soup, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots, this dish cooks up beautifully in the slow cooker with barely any effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to put this casserole together and let it cook while I go about my day. It’s a full meal in one pot, and the creamy, cheesy layers make every bite satisfying. It’s great for feeding a crowd, picky eaters always love it, and cleanup is minimal—just the way I like it.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Yellow onion, chopped

• Garlic powder

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)

• Cheddar cheese, shredded

• Frozen tater tots

• Milk (optional, for thinning the soup)

• Chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. I start by browning the ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat. I season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then drain the excess fat.

2. In a bowl, I mix the cooked beef with the cream of mushroom soup. I sometimes add a splash of milk if I want a slightly looser consistency.

3. I grease the inside of the crockpot, then layer half of the frozen tater tots on the bottom.

4. I spread the beef and soup mixture over the tater tots, then sprinkle on half of the shredded cheese.

5. I top everything with the remaining tater tots and finish with the rest of the cheese.

6. I cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the cheese is melted and the tater tots are hot and slightly crispy.

7. I let it sit for a few minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if I have them.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, then cooks for 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high in the crockpot.

Variations

Sometimes I mix in frozen veggies like peas, corn, or green beans for a more complete meal. I’ve also made it with ground turkey or sausage for a twist. If I want extra flavor, I add Worcestershire sauce or a little hot sauce to the meat mixture. Pepper jack cheese also adds a nice kick if I want it spicier.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. If I want the tater tots to stay crisp, I reheat it uncovered in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, I just pop it into the cooker and start it.

Do I have to cook the ground beef first?

Yes, I always brown it beforehand to ensure it’s fully cooked and flavorful before layering it into the crockpot.

Can I bake this instead?

Definitely. I bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 375°F for about 40–45 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly with golden tater tots on top.

What type of cheese works best?

I like using sharp cheddar, but I’ve also used a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey finish. Any good melting cheese will work.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, I swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup for a satisfying meatless version.

Conclusion

Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole is the kind of cozy, cheesy dish I keep coming back to. It’s easy to throw together, always hits the spot, and makes enough to feed the whole family—or give me plenty of leftovers. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe delivers comfort in every bite.