This Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food at its finest! It combines cheesy goodness with crispy tater tots and zesty flavors—who can resist that?
Making this in a crockpot means it’s super easy. I love that I can just throw everything in and let it cook while I relax. Perfect for busy days or a cozy night in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually go for ground beef for its rich flavor, but turkey is a leaner option. You could even use cooked shredded chicken for variety. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh or lentils!
Black Beans: These add a tasty protein boost. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or kidney beans work just as well. Just make sure to drain and rinse them, which helps reduce sodium.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: These bring in a nice kick! If you prefer less heat, use plain diced tomatoes or the milder variety. You can also add fresh chopped jalapeños for extra spice if desired.
Cheddar Cheese: I love the cheesy goodness that cheddar brings. You could use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or a combination of cheeses for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that cheese alternatives may melt differently.
Tater Tots: The star of this dish! If you’re looking for a healthier twist, you can use sweet potato tater tots or even switch them for a veggie-packed hash brown mix, though the texture will change.
How Do I Get Crispy Tater Tots on Top?
Getting that crispy tater tot top is key to this casserole. Layer them evenly on top so they’ll cook perfectly. Here are my tips:
- Make sure your tater tots are frozen when you add them – this helps them crisp up during cooking.
- Cook on high for the last little bit to really brown them up.
- If they aren’t as crispy as you like, you can finish them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get that golden color.
How to Make Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb 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 taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 28 oz frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prep and then needs to cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. You can set it and forget it while it cooks to crispy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If there is any excess fat, drain it away so your casserole isn’t greasy.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Now, grab your crockpot! Add the cooked ground beef along with the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices!), diced onions, diced bell peppers, and taco seasoning. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Make sure all those yummy flavors are mixed together!
3. Add Cheese and Tater Tots:
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture in the crockpot. Then, layer the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the cheese. These will give it that wonderful crunchy topping!
4. Cook the Casserole:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the tater tots to be heated through and nice and crispy on top. It will smell amazing while it cooks!
5. Add More Cheese:
During the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Cover it again and let it melt. This gives it that gooey, cheesy finish!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, carefully scoop out your Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole and serve it hot. If you’d like, add some garnishes like sour cream or chopped cilantro for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will result in a lighter dish. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture if necessary to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even refried beans as alternatives. Just drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the mix for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the layered ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to add the tater tots right before cooking to keep them crispy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave, or warm it back up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You may want to add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra flavor when reheating!
