This Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty comfort meal layered with seasoned ground beef, chili-style sauce, crispy tater tots and melted cheese.
This Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort-food meal for busy weeknights. It combines seasoned beef in a savory chili-style sauce with fluffy tater tots that soak up all the delicious flavor as they cook.
Finished with melted cheddar and a fresh scallion garnish, it's hearty, filling and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you loved this tater tot recipe, you're going to fall head over heels for this slow cooker cowboy casserole and my slow cooker Mississippi pork roast.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Adds rich, hearty protein and forms the base of the casserole.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.
- Chili seasoning: Gives the dish its bold chili-style flavor.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic richness and warmth.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Brings acidity, texture and a mild kick.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich sauce base.
- Frozen tater tots: The comforting potato layer that cooks up soft and flavorful.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey cheesy finish.
- Scallions (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color for serving.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the cooked ground beef and diced onion to the slow cooker. Stir in the salt, pepper, chili seasoning, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and half of the cheese until well combined.
- Step 2: Arrange the tater tots evenly over the top in a single layer. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over during the last 15 minutes of cooking and allow it to melt before serving. Finish with scallions if using and serve warm.
Substitutions
- Use turkey instead of beef.
- Pepper Jack cheese can replace cheddar for spice.
- Add canned beans for extra protein.
Variations
- Make it spicy: Add jalapenos for heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in sour cream before serving for creaminess.
- Brighten up: Top with green onions.
Equipment
A slow cooker or crockpot is the main piece of equipment needed for this recipe.
You'll also need a pan for browning the beef beforehand and a spoon for mixing and serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot throughout.
This recipe can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the tater tots may soften slightly after thawing.
Top tip
For the best cheesy finish, use freshly grated cheddar as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
FAQ
Yes: You can brown the beef and mix the sauce ingredients the night before, then refrigerate and assemble in the slow cooker the next day for easy meal prep.
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Slow Cooker Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef browned and drained
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 1 ounce packet chili seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 10.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 28-ounce bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- Scallions for garnish optional
Instructions
- To the slow cooker add the ground beef and onion.
- Stir in salt, pepper, chili seasoning, garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce and half cup of cheese.
- Spread tater tots evenly over the top.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes until melted.
Notes
Let casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to thicken.
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
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