Slow Cooker Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole
If you’re craving an easy, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole is exactly what you need. Made with just 6 simple ingredients, this cozy crockpot casserole is loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy-on-top tater tots that soak up all that rich flavor without getting soggy.
Inspired by classic Midwestern hotdish and old-fashioned cowboy casseroles, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Just brown the beef, layer everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you handle your busy day. It’s a family-favorite dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Casserole:
Dump-and-go slow cooker recipe perfect for busy days
Only 6 ingredients using pantry and freezer staples
Budget-friendly and filling comfort food
Kid-approved and crowd-pleasing
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Tater tots stay tender and flavor-packed, not mushy
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1½ pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 small onion, diced (optional but recommended)
1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (32-oz) bag frozen tater tots
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (and onion, if using) until no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks and drain excess grease.
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Keep seasoning light since the soups and cheese add salt.
In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread half the frozen tater tots on the bottom, top with the beef mixture, then finish with the remaining tater tots.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 15–20 minutes. Cover and let melt.
Serve hot. Garnish with sour cream or green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
This cowboy tater tot casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
A crisp green salad or simple side salad
Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, carrots)
Warm dinner rolls or cornbread
Toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, or hot sauce
Variations & Helpful Tips:
Spicy Southwest Cowboy Casserole: Add diced green chiles or Rotel and use pepper jack cheese
Veggie-Loaded Version: Stir in frozen corn or mixed vegetables
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and refrigerate
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months
Lighter Option: Use ground turkey, reduced-fat soups, and part-skim cheese
