Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually opt for ground turkey for a lighter version, but lean ground beef works great too. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or mushrooms for a meaty texture.

Onion: Diced onions add flavor and aroma. For a milder taste, you can substitute with green onions or use shallots instead. Onions can be skipped too if you’re in a hurry.

Black Beans: These beans add protein and fiber! You could replace them with kidney beans or pinto beans if they’re what you have on hand. Canned varieties save time, but dried beans work too if soaked and cooked properly.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Ro-Tel adds nice heat. If you want it less spicy or can’t find it, use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of chili powder or fresh jalapeños instead.

Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are the star of this dish! For a healthier switch, try using cauliflower tots or even homemade potato wedges, although the texture will differ.

How Can I Make Sure the Tater Tots are Perfectly Crispy?

Getting those tater tots crispy is key for a great casserole texture. Here’s how to do it:

• Use your crockpot on the high setting if you’re short on time. This helps tater tots cook through quickly.
• Spread the tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese; don’t stack them too high.
• If they need more crispiness, consider placing the casserole under the broiler in your oven for a few minutes after cooking. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

How to Make Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Ro-Tel)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• sliced jalapeños
• avocado
• sour cream
• fresh cilantro

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then 4-6 hours to cook in the crockpot on low (or 2-3 hours on high). So, you can get everything ready, and let the crockpot do the work while you relax!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cooking the Meat:

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add in the ground beef or turkey, and cook until it’s nice and browned. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat afterward! This keeps the dish from being too greasy.

2. Adding the Onion and Seasoning:

Next, stir in the diced onion with the meat. Cook them together until the onion is softened and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then sprinkle in the taco seasoning, along with some salt and pepper. Mix everything well to make it flavorful!

3. Assembling the Casserole in the Crockpot:

Now it’s time to layer the ingredients in the crockpot. First, add the cooked meat and onion mixture. Then, toss in the drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, making sure they are spread out nicely. After that, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. This will add a delicious cheesy flavor!

4. Layering the Tater Tots:

Evenly spread the frozen tater tots over the cheese layer. This helps them cook perfectly. Once that’s done, top the tater tots with the remaining cup of shredded cheese. Yum!

5. Cooking Time:

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are cooked through, and the cheese is all melted and bubbly!

6. Serving Up:

When the casserole is done, carefully scoop it out of the crockpot and serve it hot. Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute for ground beef. Just cook it the same way until browned. You might want to adjust the seasoning slightly, as turkey has a milder flavor compared to beef.

Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the meat and increasing the amount of black beans or adding another can of beans like kidney or pinto. You can also add in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture!

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave it until warmed through or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 15-20 minutes.

Can I Use Fresh Tater Tots Instead of Frozen?

Freshly made tater tots can work as well, but they may require a different cooking time. Since they’re already cooked, you might want to reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes and check for doneness to prevent them from getting too crunchy.