This cheesy Tater Tot Casserole or you may know it as Potato Gem Casserole, is a great winter meal that you can make and enjoy using ground beef, diced tomatoes, condensed soup, onion, and cheddar cheese.

To make Tater Tot Casserole in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply layer browned beef, onions, and tomatoes, top with soup and Tater Tots, and cook on low for about 3 hours.

Alright, let’s keep it real—this casserole is so easy, even a tired chef could whip it up in a snap! Don’t forget to drop a comment below if you give it a try, and let’s see who can make the cheesiest version!

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Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

• 500g to 1 kg of ground beef, pre-browned for rich flavor
• 1 can (420g) of diced tomatoes
• 300g to 500g of frozen Potato Gems (or Tater Tots), depending on your preference
• 1 can (420g) of condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (substitute with Cream of Chicken Soup if you fancy a different twist)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese for that gooey goodness

How To Make Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

1. Get Set: First off, give your slow cooker a quick spray with some nonstick oil. This means less mess later, which is always a winner.
2. Sizzle the Beef: If you haven’t already, brown your beef until it’s nice and crumbly. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
3. Build the Base: Throw the chopped onions and tomatoes into the pan with the beef. Get them all friendly together, then scoop them into your slow cooker.
4. Soup It Up: Pour that creamy soup right in with the beef mix. No water needed—just straight up flavour.
5. Potato Layering Time: Neatly lay those Tater Tots or Potato Gems over the top. It’s like tucking them in for a slow-cooked journey.
6. Cooking Magic: Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 2-3 hours.
7. Cheese Crown: About 30 minutes before serving, lavish that cheddar cheese over the top. Watch it melt and transform everything into gooey perfection.
8. Ready to Serve: Dish this beauty up with a side salad or some greens, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s both satisfying and simple.

How Do I Know When the Tater Tot Casserole is Done?

Your Tater Tot Casserole should be bubbling around the edges and hot in the middle. The Tater Tots will also be golden and crisp on top. A food thermometer should read 74°C (165°F) in the centre to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Recipe Tips

• Pre-Browning Beef: Always brown your beef before adding it to the slow cooker; this ensures the meat is thoroughly cooked and adds a richer flavour to your Tater Tot Casserole.
• Layering Tater Tots: For a crispy top layer, make sure the Tater Tots are placed in a single, even layer across the top of your casserole before cooking; this prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or a smoked gouda for depth can dramatically change the flavour profile of your casserole.
• Adding Vegetables: To sneak in some extra nutrients without changing the classic taste, finely chop vegetables like bell peppers or carrots and mix them into the beef layer.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, throw in some chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili flakes into the beef mixture to give your Tater Tot Casserole a spicy twist that really packs a punch.
• Meat Variations: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish, adjusting the cooking time if necessary to ensure the poultry is fully cooked.
• Vegan Version: For a plant-based alternative, use a meat substitute for the beef and a vegan-friendly cream soup; top with dairy-free cheese to keep the classic texture and comfort of the dish.
• Breakfast Casserole: Transform this dinner recipe into a hearty breakfast by layering in some pre-cooked scrambled eggs beneath the Tater Tots and adding crumbled sausage to the beef mix.

What To Serve With Tater Tot Casserole

Serve your Tater Tot Casserole with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic glaze, a tangy apple slaw, sweet potato mash with a hint of maple, a quinoa salad speckled with dried cranberries, or a fresh arugula and pear salad with blue cheese.

You can also pair it with smoked paprika roasted cauliflower, a zesty beetroot and goat cheese salad, or a vibrant spinach and mandarin orange salad.

How To Store Leftover Tater Tot Casserole

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It should be cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. This casserole will remain delicious and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days in your refrigerator.

In The Freezer:

Tater Tot Casserole can indeed be stored in the freezer. First, ensure it is completely cooled; then wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. This preparation will keep it tasty for up to 2 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Tater Tot Casserole

Reheat your leftover Tater Tot Casserole by placing it in an oven preheated to 175°C (350°F). Cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake until it’s thoroughly heated, typically about 20 minutes.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Sausage Potato Casserole
• Slow Cooker Chicken and Leek Casserole
• Slow Cooker Sausage Cassoulet