This slow cooker 5-ingredient tater tot casserole is the kind of comforting, budget-friendly family supper that earns a permanent spot in the recipe box. It has all the cozy appeal of a classic Midwestern hotdish, with hearty ground beef, creamy soup, cheddar cheese, and a golden layer of tater tots that makes everybody want seconds. Using the slow cooker keeps it simple for busy days, potlucks, and Sunday dinners when you want something filling without a lot of fuss.
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, buttered corn, or fruit on the side to round out the meal. It also pairs nicely with dinner rolls if you are feeding a crowd, and for casual gatherings I like to set out ketchup, hot sauce, and a little extra shredded cheese so everyone can fix their plate the way they like it.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Tater Tot Casserole
Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the salt until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker crock. Add the cooked beef and stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
3. Spread the beef mixture into an even layer, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted. If you would like the tops crisper, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
5. Spoon the casserole onto plates and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Swap the soup: Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work nicely if that is what you have on hand. The flavor changes just a little, but the casserole still comes out creamy and comforting.
Add a vegetable: For an easy way to stretch the dish, stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables or green beans with the beef mixture. It is a simple trick for getting a few more veggies onto the table without changing the recipe too much.
Make it kid-friendly: If you have picky eaters, use mild cheddar and keep the seasoning simple. You can even serve the casserole with ketchup on the side, which little ones usually love with tater tots.
For crispier tots: Slow cookers do not brown the same way an oven does, so leaving the lid slightly ajar for the last part of cooking can help reduce moisture on top. If your slow cooker runs hot, check a little early so the edges do not overcook.
Prep ahead: Brown the beef the night before and refrigerate it. The next day, all you need to do is combine the filling, layer the tots, and start the slow cooker, which makes this recipe especially handy for busy weekends or reunion meals.