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Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Tater Tot Casserole Easy Cowboy Dinner Recipe

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This hearty slow cooker Tex-Mex tater tot cowboy casserole is packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and plenty of cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to prep and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Pickled jalapeños or sliced green onions (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until mostly browned.
  2. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until veggies are soft and beef is cooked through. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess grease if needed.
  3. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, chili powder (if using), ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to coat beef and veggies with spices.
  4. Add black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Mix together and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Remove pan from heat. Stir in sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
  6. Spray the inside of your slow cooker insert with nonstick spray. Spread half of the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup Monterey Jack over the top. Arrange about half the frozen tater tots in a single layer.
  7. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture, another layer of cheese, and finish with the rest of the tater tots on top. Press them down gently.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2 1/2–3 hours. For crispier tater tots, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or broil the top for 2-3 minutes if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or green onions if desired.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken. Make it vegetarian by doubling the beans and veggies and omitting the meat. For extra crispy tater tots, broil the top for a few minutes if your slow cooker insert is oven-safe. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. Check labels for gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, tater tot casserole, cowboy casserole, Tex-Mex, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, family meal, potluck, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/slow-cooker-tex-mex-tater-tot-casserole-easy-cowboy-dinner-recipe/