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Ultimate Layered Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - The Best Crockpot Version Ever

This comforting layered tater tot casserole combines savory ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy golden tots into the ultimate family-friendly meal. The crockpot method adds convenience while developing deep, melded flavors for perfect comfort food that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, dried thyme, and paprika until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the beef, spreading it evenly. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer covering the entire surface.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and continue cooking until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy on top with a creamy, savory base underneath.

Notes

For extra crispy results, use name-brand tater tots rather than generic brands. You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Mix different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.