This Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and easy dish! It’s loaded with cheesy goodness, tater tots, and tasty Tex Mex flavors all in one pot. Perfect for busy days!
I love how simple it is to make—just throw everything in and let the crockpot do the work. Plus, who can resist the crispy tater tots on top? They’re like little clouds of joy! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef (or Turkey): Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but ground turkey is a leaner alternative. You could also use plant-based ground meat for a veggie option. I’ve used turkey when making it lighter and loved how it turned out!
Taco Seasoning: A packet is quick and easy, but you can make your own blend with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. It’s a great way to customize the flavor, and I often add extra chili powder for a little kick.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you want a different flavor, try kidney beans or pinto beans instead. Make sure to drain and rinse any canned beans to remove excess sodium.
Tater Tots: While traditional, you can swap them for frozen curly fries or even homemade potato wedges. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower tots.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Tater Tots in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking tater tots in a crockpot may leave you wondering about their texture. To keep them crisp on top, it’s best to add them in layers and cook them just right. Here are some tips:
- Layer half the tater tots on the bottom to form a base. This ensures even cooking and a nice bottom layer.
- Make sure they are not overcrowded; this will help them crisp up better.
- Use the low setting if you have the time; it helps to cook the tots evenly without becoming too mushy.
- Adding cheese on top near the end of cooking can help create a delicious, bubbly layer.
How to Make Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole takes about 15 minutes for preparation and then you’ll need 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. Just a bit of prep work and then let the slow cooker do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir until the meat is fully browned. After that, drain any excess fat from the skillet so your casserole doesn’t get greasy.
2. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Next, add the taco seasoning to the meat mixture along with the drained black beans, corn, and the can of diced tomatoes. Mix everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This way, the flavors can blend nicely!
3. Prepare the Crockpot:
Now it’s time to get your crockpot ready! Spray the inside with a bit of cooking spray to make serving easier. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
4. Layer the Tater Tots:
Start by placing half of the frozen tater tots at the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about them being perfect; just spread them out a bit!
5. Add the Meat Mixture:
Next, evenly spread the meat and bean mixture over the tater tots. Try to cover them as much as you can for maximum flavor!
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the meat mixture. Cheese makes everything better!
7. Finish with More Tater Tots and Cheese:
Layer the remaining tater tots on top and finish by adding the rest of the cheese. This layer will turn melty and delicious once it cooks!
8. Cook It:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tater tots are cooked through. It’ll smell amazing!
9. Add Some Garnish:
If you like, add some sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro on top just before serving. It adds a nice touch of freshness.
10. Serve Warm:
Dig into your warm and cheesy Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole and enjoy every bite! Perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun gathering!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will make the dish lighter. Just be mindful that it may require a few extra spices to achieve the same flavor profile as beef, so feel free to add a pinch of extra taco seasoning or some smoked paprika.
What Can I Substitute for Tater Tots?
If you can’t find tater tots, you can use frozen hash browns or even make your own by cutting potatoes into small cubes and par-cooking them before adding to the casserole. Just make sure they are pre-cooked enough to crisp up in the crockpot!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist if necessary.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini when you stir in the meat mixture. Just ensure that the total volume doesn’t overflow the crockpot. You can sauté them briefly with the meat for added flavor.
