Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate weeknight savior, delivering a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal with minimal effort. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, zesty Tex-Mex seasonings, and crispy tater tots for a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s ready when you are.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet (1.25 ounce) Tex-Mex or taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado
How to Make Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole
This Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is an absolute dream for busy cooks, offering a deliciously simple path to a deeply satisfying meal. In about 20 minutes of prep, you’ll unleash a symphony of Tex-Mex flavors that simmer to perfection in your slow cooker. The magic lies in its layered approach, creating a creamy, savory base topped with those irresistible crispy tater tots.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Flavorful Base: Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker insert. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, the undrained can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), tomato sauce, Tex-Mex seasoning packet, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker until well combined. This ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the savory beef mixture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the meat mixture and stir them in. This will start to create a creamy texture as it cooks.
- Lay the Tater Tot Topping: Unpack the frozen tater tots and arrange them in an even layer over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Top and Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid. Sprinkle generously with extra shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt, or if your slow cooker has a broiler setting (use with caution and watch carefully), you can briefly broil for an even crispier, more melted cheese topping.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, offering your favorite Tex-Mex toppings like sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole
You’ll fall head over heels for this Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole because it’s the ultimate blend of comfort and Tex-Mex zest, a flavor profile that simply sings. Imagine those perfectly crispy tater tots crowning a rich, savory filling bursting with spices – it’s a textural and gustatory delight that’s a step above your average weeknight meal. Plus, making this Tex-Mex masterpiece at home saves you money compared to takeout, all while delivering a wholesome, satisfying dish the whole family will devour without complaint.
Forget the complicated steps of traditional casseroles; this slow cooker version is a game-changer for busy households, offering a fuss-free route to deliciousness. It’s the kind of meal that fills you with warmth and contentment, much like a classic shepherd’s pie but with an exciting Southwest twist. So whip out your slow cooker and give this incredibly easy, unbelievably flavorful Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole a try – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
Allow the Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from the refrigerator from affecting the casserole.
Reheating:
- Oven Method (Recommended for Crispiest Tots): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the desired portion of the casserole to an oven-safe dish. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the tater tots from burning. Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the tater tots are crispy again. If the tots aren’t crispy enough after this time, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker reheat, place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring or checking for doneness in between, until heated through. Be aware that the tater tots may not retain their crispiness with this method.
- Freezing for Future Meals: If you have a large amount of leftovers or want to prepare ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then divide into individual freezer-safe containers or a larger freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use a freezer bag. Properly stored, it can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven method for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect weeknight solution for busy families, offering comfort in every bite. We encourage you to give this recipe a try – it’s sure to become a new favorite in your rotation!
Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1.5 lbs lean ground beef, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker insert. Add the rinsed and drained black beans, the undrained can of Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), tomato sauce, Tex-Mex seasoning packet, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using).1 (15 ounce) can black beans, 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 packet (1.25 ounce) Tex-Mex or taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 0.5 teaspoon cumin, 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker until well combined. This ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the savory beef mixture.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the meat mixture and stir them in. This will start to create a creamy texture as it cooks.0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 0.25 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Unpack the frozen tater tots and arrange them in an even layer over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible.1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the lid. Sprinkle generously with extra shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt, or if your slow cooker has a broiler setting (use with caution and watch carefully), you can briefly broil for an even crispier, more melted cheese topping.0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 0.25 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Serve hot, offering your favorite Tex-Mex toppings like sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado.sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado