Hearty Crockpot Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tot Topping

If you’re craving a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs kind of dinner, let me introduce you to my Crockpot Cowboy Casserole with Tater Tot Topping. This is the kind of meal that feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. It’s got all the cozy flavors you’d expect – ground beef, cheese, creamy sauce, and golden tater tots on top, coming together in the slow cooker with barely any effort on your part.

What I love most about this casserole is how family-friendly it is. My crew absolutely devours it, and I never hear a single complaint when this is on the table. It’s cheesy, filling, and full of flavor, but also so easy to customize. If you’ve got picky eaters, you can sneak in some extra veggies, or if you’re feeding a hungry crowd, just double it up. It’s one of those reliable recipes that always hits the spot.

The slow cooker does almost all the work. You can toss everything together, layer on those tater tots, and let it bubble away while you get on with your day. By dinnertime, you’ll have a rich, savory casserole ready to go with almost no dishes to clean up. It’s comfort food at its finest, and once you try it, it’ll quickly earn a regular spot on your meal rotation.

If tater tots are your love language, you’ll also want to check out my Classic Tater Tot Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese and Loaded Tater Tots for even more cozy, crispy comfort food ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained – the hearty base that makes this casserole so filling.

• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained – adds a touch of sweetness and color to every bite.

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup – brings in that creamy, comforting texture.

• ½ cup sour cream – adds a little tang and extra creaminess.

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium) – melty, cheesy goodness that ties it all together.

• 1 small onion, diced – for a boost of savory flavor.

• 1 tsp garlic powder – a simple way to season it up perfectly.

• Salt and pepper to taste – the finishing touch for balance.

• 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen tater tots – the golden, crispy topping everyone loves.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Lightly spray the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the browned ground beef, corn, soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.

3. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or on High for 2–3 hours, until the mixture is hot and bubbly, and the tater tots are soft but fully cooked.

4. If desired, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2–3 minutes to lightly brown the tater tots before serving.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Cowboy Casserole

• I like to brown the ground beef with a little salt and pepper before adding it to the slow cooker, it gives the casserole a richer flavor.

• If you’ve got time, try broiling the casserole for a few minutes at the end. It makes the tater tots golden and extra delicious.

• Shred your own cheese if you can! It melts creamier than the bagged kind.

• I sometimes mix in a handful of frozen peas or green beans with the corn to sneak in a little extra veggie goodness.

• If you want a little kick, add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.

• Don’t skip spraying the crockpot insert, it makes clean-up so much easier later!

Serving

• I like to scoop this casserole straight from the crockpot into bowls, it’s cozy, hearty, and perfect on its own.

• A simple green salad or some steamed veggies on the side balances out all that cheesy goodness.

• If I’m serving a crowd, I’ll add some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last bit.

• This casserole is so filling, but a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh green onions on top makes it feel extra special.

• For a fun twist, I’ve even served it as a game-day dish, it disappears fast!

Storing

• If you’ve got leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge, they’ll stay good for about 3 days.

• I like to reheat mine in the oven to keep the tater tots from getting too soft, but the microwave works in a pinch.

• This casserole actually freezes pretty well! Just let it cool, wrap it up tight, and stash it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When I freeze it, I portion it out first so I can grab a single serving for quick lunches.

• If you’re reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it through in the oven until bubbly.