This fun and hearty dish brings together crispy tater tots, zesty Tex Mex flavors, and melted cheese all in one pot. Perfect for busy days, it cooks while you relax!
Who can resist tater tots? They always make me smile! I like serving it with some fresh toppings like sour cream or salsa—adds a nice touch. Just remember to keep a spoon ready for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: Both are great for this dish, but if you’re looking for something lighter, turkey is a solid choice. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you prefer a vegetarian option!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient and flavorful. If you’re out, pinto beans or kidney beans can work as substitutes. Just remember to rinse and drain them!
Frozen Tater Tots: The star of the show! You can swap tater tots with sweet potato tots for a twist on the flavor. Hash browns are another alternative, but they won’t hold their shape as well.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp Cheddar for its strong flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. Vegan cheese also works for dairy-free diets.
Onion: Diced onions add great taste, but feel free to use shallots or green onions if that’s what you have on hand. They all add a nice touch!
How Do You Get Crispy Tater Tots in a Crockpot?
Crispy tater tots can be tricky in a crockpot since they’re softened by the steam. To enhance their crispiness:
- Use frozen tater tots straight from the bag; don’t thaw them, as they’ll cook better this way.
- Layer the tater tots directly on top of the mixture, allowing them to crisp up from the heat below.
- For an extra crunch, uncover the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This helps steam escape and allows them to crisp up nicely!
How to Make Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then needs 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. So, you can set it up and leave it to cook while you go about your day—perfect for busy schedules!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey and cook it until it’s fully browned. If there’s any excess fat, drain it away to keep your casserole from being greasy.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Next, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté it along with the meat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes tender and fragrant. This adds a great depth of flavor to your casserole!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix everything together. Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and add some salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
4. Set Up the Crockpot:
Transfer the meat and bean mixture into your crockpot and spread it evenly across the bottom. This is the base of your delicious casserole!
5. Add the Tater Tots:
Now, layer the frozen tater tots on top of the meat and bean mixture. Arrange them evenly to ensure every bite has that crispy goodness.
6. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of the tater tots for that melty, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
7. Cook and Enjoy:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are hot and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, you can add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top if you’d like for a fresh touch. Scoop out portions and enjoy your warm, satisfying Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole while it’s hot!
Enjoy the savory flavors and time-saving ease of this yummy casserole!
## FAQs for Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Other Meats Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until browned, similar to how you would with beef or turkey, to ensure all the flavors meld nicely.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the meat and replace it with an additional can of black beans or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You may want to add a bit more taco seasoning for flavor. This way, you can keep the dish hearty and tasty without the meat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can add a splash of water to keep the tater tots from drying out during reheating.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
You can get creative with toppings! Consider adding avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, or jalapeños for an extra kick. These toppings can really enhance the flavors and presentation of your casserole.
