Here’s a delicious Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole Recipe filled with hamburger, cheese, and tater tots. This recipe is super easy to make and tastes fantastic. Six ingredients and the slow cooker does most of the work. A great family dinner, especially on busy nights!
Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe was so much fun to make, and I love how easy the CrockPot makes it to put together a delicious Tater Tot Casserole the entire family will love. Cheesy, meaty goodness that everyone loves! This slow cooker recipe is in our top crockpot recipe rotation to make for dinner as often as possible.
It is so easy to make and tastes so good! There is something so delicious about the combination of tater tots, hamburger meat, and cheese.
Who am I kidding–maybe let's be honest and just admit that tater tots make almost anything taste great? Lol! 🙂
I can't believe we first shared this recipe back in February 2013.
We are still having so much fun using the Crock-Pot. I aim to make at least one meal a week in the Crock-Pot.
I have a massive list of recipes written out that I can't wait to try.
This Easy Tater Tot Casserole is going on our dinner menu more often!
Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic CrockPot Tater Tot Casserole! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.
- Ground Beef
- Rotel
- Frozen Tater Tots
- Cream of Chicken Soup or Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Small Onion
- Cheddar Cheese
Optional Additions - Mushrooms, Corn, Frozen Vegetables, Peas, Garlic Powder, onion powder, Salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment Needed
- CrockPot: We suggest using a CrockPot with a digital timer that automatically switches the slow cooker to warm after a set time to ensure your dinner cooks perfectly, and you don't have to stress about when it will finish. I am totally in love with this Bob Ross Happy Little Trees Slow Cooker. It is going on my must-have list.
- Mix n Chop - We use the mix n chop to break up the ground beef and love it.
- Baking Dish with Lids: These baking dishes work great for storing leftovers.
- Slotted Serving Spoon: This large spoon is perfect for dishing up this tater tot casserole.
- CrockPot Liners: If you want to make cleanup easier, use these CrockPot liners. You can also spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
How to Make CrockPot Tater Tot Casserole
I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.
- Brown beef and add in chopped onion and Rotel over medium heat.
- Pour ground beef mixture on the bottom of a greased Crock Pot.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup.
- Top with a layer of tater tots across the top.
- Cook low
- Before you serve the Tater Tot Casserole, top with shredded cheese.
Preparation and Storage
Make Ahead: This yummy casserole takes two to three hours to cook in your slow cooker, giving you time to relax or work on other menu items.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within three days.
Freezing/How to Freeze: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container and enjoy them within three months.
How to Reheat: You can reheat your Tater Tot Casserole leftovers using the microwave or oven, depending on how many portions you need to prepare. Let frozen servings thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure they reheat evenly.
Recipe Variations
Substitutions:
You can replace ground beef with ground chicken, ground sausage, or ground turkey if you don’t eat red meat or prefer something other than beef.
We like using shredded cheddar in this recipe but feel free to use any other cheese you would enjoy in a burger.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef and cream of chicken soup with meatless alternatives to make this recipe vegetarian.
Vegan Option: In addition to the guidance for vegetarians, vegans should replace the cream of chicken soup and shredded cheddar cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free labels on the tater tots and cream of chicken soup to ensure they are safe for a gluten-free diet.
Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe makes eight servings. Scale it up or down to your desired yield, working in batches according to your slow cooker’s capacity if you scale up.
Make It Spicy:
We used mild Rotel, but you could easily use a hotter variety for more heat.
Spicy cheese, like pepper jack, would be a fantastic way to add spice to this casserole.
You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a Tater Tot Casserole with a kick.
Sugar-Free: The written recipe does not contain any sugar.
Tips for the Best CrockPot Tater Tot Casserole
- There have been questions about what Rotel looked like on the shelf. Here it is on Amazon so that you can see the can.
What to Serve with CrockPot Tater Tot Casserole
This comfort food casserole has all the goodness of a cheeseburger and tater tot meal in one satisfying dish! Here are some pairing suggestions to inspire your menu planning.
Sides: Broccoli Casserole, Apple Stuffing, Funeral Potatoes, BLT Pasta Salad, Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Air Fryer Baked Potato, Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream, Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams, Southern Style Green Beans, CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans
Main Dishes: Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, Stovetop Meatloaf, Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers, CrockPot Rosemary Pork, Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings, CrockPot Macaroni & Cheese with Ham, CrockPot Salisbury Steak, CrockPot Ham & Cheese Grits
Desserts: Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake, Lemon Bars, Lemon Icebox Pie, Best Rice Krispie Treats, Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, Bisquick Apple Cobbler, Bisquick Peach Cobbler, Molasses Cookies, Banana Bread, Classic Chocolate Brownies
Drinks: Coke Slushie, Red Robin Freckled Lemonade, CopyCat McDonald's Sweet Tea
When to Serve
- Lunch
- When you need an Easy Dinner Recipe
- Potlucks (Office, church, family)
- Cookouts
- Family and Friend Gatherings
- Classic Comfort Food
- Delicious Ground Beef Casserole
Great Recipe Collections
Casserole Recipes for Busy Nights - The best easy casserole recipes the entire family will love.
Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes - Easy Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes perfect for every occasion! From family dinners to potlucks these ground beef recipes are perfect!
Easy Potluck Recipes - These recipes are easy to make and everyone will love them!
Easy Vegetable Side Dishes for Any Occasion - Great ways to get veggies on the table without a huge amount of stress.
Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes.
Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our recipe posts.
SLOW COOKER CROCK POT TATER TOT CASSEROLE RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef browned
- 1 can RO-TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies We used mild but you could easily use a hotter variety
- 16 Ounce Tater Tots frozen
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 Onion small
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Brown beef and add in chopped onion and Rotel
- Pour beef and onion mixture on the bottom of a greased Crock Pot
- Mix in Cream of Chicken Soup
- Top with tater tots across the top
- Cook low for 2-3 hours.
- 30 minutes before you are going to serve the Tater Tot Casserole top with shredded cheese.
Nutrition
Originally shared February 2013, updated in December 2018 and January 2020
SL
Do you drain the Rotel?
Whitney
I would like to make this in the oven in two 9x13 disposable metal pans so that I can feed more people. How would you recommend I do that? What temp and length of time?
Ellen
Do I put the tater tots in frozen? Thanks!
Michelle
Making this now, and I've made it before, but I put in frozen mixed veggies also. It is so yummy. I also thought Cream of Chicken was odd but it is good. Would recommend.
Kelly
This sounds so good. Do the tater tots get crispy and not soggy from the condensation on the lid?
Angel
How would you bake this in the oven?
Betty
Would you happen to know how man you carbs per serving in this dish?
jane
tried this and everyone loved it but need to double it next time there just wasn't enough
Tammilee
Jane, I am so glad everyone enjoyed the recipe!
Caitie
How many people does this serve? I've got a huge crowd to feed. Also, could you make this in the oven instead of the crockpot? If so, what temp and how long? That way I could double or even triple the recipe a little easier.
Mindy McGowan
I made this for the kids to eat at my sister's wedding today, and it was a huge hit!! Adults were even digging into even though there was catered food available for them. It was completely gone within an hour! I had several people request the recipe!
Tammilee
Mindy,
Thank you so much for letting us know everyone loved the recipe! I truly can't tell you how much it means to us to know that we were a part of your sisters wedding.
Meredith
Great recipe! I used Fiesta Nacho Cheese Soup instead of Cream Of Chicken. Also used some Tony Chachere Bold Seasoning. Perfection!!!
Mike Ellard
I'm trying the ham for Easter Dinner, it looks great!
Thanks!
--Mikey--
Tammilee
Your welcome! I hope you really enjoy it! I just made another one today to use for sandwiches and lunches. They turn out so good.
Linda Eade
I just cooked a spiral sliced ham in the crockpot weekend before last & I used a liner & had to use foil to cover it because it was too tall for my crockpot. It was fine with the foil to hold in the heat/moisture.
Dianne
What is RoTel? Someone else asked what size of can used.
Tammilee
Rotel is a mix of diced tomatoes and spices. I normally use the regular soup sized can.
Linda Eade
It will probably be in the Mexican food section at the grocery store. I use Aldi's brand which is much cheaper than Rotel brand.
mary
can we substitute the cream of chicken for something else? no sour cream either. My daughter and I have allergies. looks good the recipe. I like the beef and tator idea.
Tammilee
Hi Mary, i have not tried making this without the cream of chicken but it is definitely worth a try. What products do you normally use as substitutes?
Amanda
What size crockpot are most of your recipes made in? We don't have kids so have just a small (2qt?) crock pot. Most recipes seems they are for 6qt or larger.
Daniel
If doubling the recipe how much extra time do you think?
Lana
First time trying CROCK POT TATER TOT CASSEROLE RECIPE. Let me just say...YUM!! I actually used a frozen, seasoned onion & celery mix because I didn't have an onion. I also used a whole can of cream of chicken and half of cream of mushroom. I seasoned the meat with some garlic and creole seasoning as well. (Hubby likes bold flavors) I did, however, do everything else the same. It was delicious. Definitely a keeper! Thanks 🙂
Diana McMahan
What size can do you get for the Rotel?
Phyllis
Place tater tots in frozen or thawed?
Karen
Frozen or thawed it doesn't matter.
catherine
Wow....not very healthy with tater tots and canned soup. The sodium content must be through the roof. Get fat quick meal.
Criss
Catherine...Nobody will force you to eat it, dear 🙂
Lexie
Thanks for the great recipe! I'm just wondering if you throw the tots in frozen or thawed?
Katelynn
Tried this the other night and LOVED it!! Super easy to make and so good! We used ground turkey (tastes the same as beef) and the mild Ro-Tel. At the end of the cooking, we stirred everything up into a giant pile and it was just delicious! Even my ridiculously picky eater was a fan, and he normally won't eat tomatoes or chiles. Can't wait to try this again with one of the spicier Ro-Tels. Thanks a bunch for the recipe!
Tammilee
Katelynn, That is fantastic!!!! I am so glad your family loved the recipe.
Shirley
Love the idea of using Rotel tomatoes! We always like a little heat in our dishes and I love using the crockpot, so this is a recipe I'd like to try. I was wondering what the texture of the Tater Tots is when done in a crockpot. Do they get crispy?
Shirley Melges
I like to add a can of corn too.
Tammilee
Shirley, That sounds fantastic! I am going to have to try that the next time I make this.
Emily
Thanks for sharing this recipe! We just featured it on our blog, Recipe Chatter. Check it out here: http://www.recipechatter.com/crazy-obsession-tater-tots/
Tammilee
Hi Emily! Thank you for including our recipe in your post! We love All Free Casserole Recipes!
Gina
Hi Tammilee...one quick question. Do you drain the rotel before adding to the beef mixture in your tator tot crock pot casserole???
Tammilee
Hi, I do drain the ro-tel before using it.
tstone
Can you tell me if the tator tots get to be a golden color in the crock pot? I usually make mine in the oven but would like to try it in the crock pot for potluck purposes.
Michael
What do you use when you say greased crockpot?
Tammilee
Hi, I spray the crock pot with cooking oil or spray.
Linda
You could use a crock pot liner instead of spraying the crock pot with cooking oil spray. I have used Cream of Mushroom in this dish.
Rose
From Ottawa, ON. What is "Tatter Tots and Ro-Tel? I'm not sure if I've ever seen any of these two items. What can I replace these 2 items with, if we don't have any here?
Tammilee
Hi
Tater tots are pre-made nuggets of potatoes. Ro-Tel is a combination of diced tomatoes and spices.
Kathleen
I was going to ask what Ro-Tel is too. I'm in Windsor, ON and we have tater tots here so Ottawa should have them. Ro-tel sounds like a can of Alymer Accents. This looks yummy!
Linda
Rotel is a can of spiced chopped tomatoes , it should be in the can tomato section of your grocery store
Kathleen Garber
Okay than yes they are like Aylmer Accents here in Ontario. Thanks!
Chris Post
To make Rotel, simply take 1 medium tomato and three green chili peppers. They should be petite diced. You can substitute canned if you choose. I like to make it fresh and experiment with different types of tomatoes, peppers, and seasonings. A dash of salt and pepper are all you really need. This should yield about up total.
Brandi
Can't wait to try this recipe! We are allergic to chicken and mushrooms. Anything I can use to replace the cream of chicken soup?
Tammilee
I think any cream soup would work ok in the recipe. It acts as a binding agent and a bit of flavor so maybe cheese soup or something similar.
HAGA
Yum!! This is my new favorite recipe (my husband's, too) - I mixed in a can of warmed canned corn (drained) just before serving since we love corn in our tator tot casseroles. Absolutely delicious - thank you!
Abbe
H! This recipe looks delicious, but my husband and I were wondering if the tater tits get crispy or if they're soggy? Thanks!
Leslie
I'm used to cooking tater tot casserole in the oven, but I'm doing a work potluck tomorrow and the slow cooker makes more sense so that it's warm when we eat it. My question is whether the tater tots still get crispy when cooked in the slow cooker?
Jessica
This may seem like a silly question but I am trying to make this right now and I dont know whether to add water to the can of "cream of chicken soup" or just put in whats only in the can. Please help.
Tammilee
Hi, I did not add water to the can of soup. I just poured the soup right into the crock pot.
E. Mackay
Hi, I am hoping to make this tonight and am wondering if you actually stir the soup into the beef/RoTel mixture or just pour it on top? Thanks!
Tammilee
Hi, I stirred the soup into the mix.
Melissa
I'm going to try this tonight
Emily
What size crockpot? Have you ever doubled it in a big crockpot? Good as leftovers too? Thanks!
Tiffany
Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole: Healthier version - instead of cooking your ground beef, steam it. We add garlic and onions and steam all of our hamburger. The grease goes down in the water and you have a much healthier product. Anything that requires hamburger we steam and it doesn't loose it's flavor.
Jenny
How do you steam it? Do you have to buy a special pan?
Tammilee
Jenny, I am a bit confused. What part are you steaming?
Betsy
I am from New England and am not familiar with Ro-Tel. What is that?
Tammilee
Ro-Tel is a mix of tomatoes and spices. It is a canned tomato normally found with either the canned vegetables or the sauces
Amanda Gayle
Going to make this tonight for dinner, instead of beef (since we had beef last night) I plan to use sausage. Will post a recipe review on my blog Night Owl Kitchen! Can't wait, so excited 🙂
Monica
Love this for a summertime recipe that doesn't heat up the house! Super tasty and is requested by the hubby now that I've made it twice!
Tammilee
Monica, So glad your family loves the recipe! I am a huge fan of using the crock pot to not heat up the house.
ellie
Hi I just saw your receipe and it sounds wonderful, but I just have a few questions... If I use three pounds of chop meat do I have to triple the chicken soup and the rotel. I was hinking instead of using rotel can I use a 28 oz can of petite diced tomatoes or stewed tomatoes. I was also thinking using a family size of cream of chicken. Do you think that would be big enough or I would need three cans of cream of chicken. Really want to try this tomorrow for dinner sounds delish.... Will have a veg and side salad and dinner is served....
Tammilee
Hi,
I would think the family size would work. You might have an extra can just in case on the side if the consistency is not what you are hoping it will be. I have not tried it with diced tomatoes but I am sure it will be great.
Clayton Hill
Hi there,
I'm about ready to try your recipe, but I don't know what size can of Cream of Chicken Soup you used. When I went shopping I bought this BIG 26 ounce can, but I sort of think that might be too much. Please let me know. I'm browning the ground beef as we speak. Thanks much, Clayton
Tammilee
HI, I used a regular size can of Cream of Chicken Soup
MaryAnne
What's RoTel? I've never heard of it, nor have I seen it in the supermarkets here in Austalia. If I know what it is, I can probably substitute something else. Or is it absolutely necessary? By the way, we have Potato Gems (and brand varieties), which I think are your Tater Tots.
Tammilee
Hi, Ro-tel is a combination of tomatoes, chilies and seasoning in a can. You could substitute diced tomatoes and chilies for it in the recipe. Tator Tots are nuggets of potatoes that are normally eaten with ketchup. What part of Australia are you from?
MaryAnne
Thanks for the prompt reply. I can certainly substitute now. The recipe looks so good! I'm from Gippsland, which is the far south-eastern section of Victoria. Any further south and you bump into Tasmania! At the moment, we're in the depths of winter, but our climate is surprisingly mild here, squished between the Great Australian Alps and the Strzelecki Ranges, so we don't get snow. Just cold and a howling wind straight up the valley I'm in. So a recipe like yours will fit the bill nicely.
Aveaguday! (Australian for "Have a good day".)
Tammilee
Hi, We have family friends that live in Hobart, Tasmania. I visited there a few years ago and loved it. We are talking about trying to make it back down to Australia soon. My Husband has never been there and I know he would absolutely love it. I hope the recipe works out great for you!
MaryAnne
Glad you loved Tasmania! I used to live in a mining town on the west coast, and then in Launceston. I never tired of it. Gippsland is the next best thing. I hope you see this part of Australia too. South Gippsland (where I grew up) is stunning and most tourists (and other Australians for that matter) don't know it's there. You haven't lived until you've had a feed of freshly caught gummy! The recipe is on my weekend to-do list. Thanks for an innovative way of using Potato Gems.
Tammilee
I can't wait to visit Australia again. I was so in awe of the birds and amazing scenery while we were there. I think I took 10,000 photos in the 2 weeks we were there. I couldn't stop taking pics everything was so amazing.
missy
I make a similar tater tot casarole in the oven. Just mix ingredients, top with tots, put in an 8x8 ovenware, cook it at the temp on the tots, it is ready when the tots are golden brown (usually about 30 minutes). Its much quicker!
Haley
Did you still brown the meat before you put it in? Or did it cook in the oven? Thanks!
Tammilee
I browned the beef before I put it in the Crock Pot.
Barbara
i just put this in my cork pot sounds great
Tammilee
That is fantastic! This is one of our favorite recipes.
Megan
Hi! About how many would you say this serves? 4ish?
Tammilee
Hi, This will easily serve 4 people. We had a lot of leftovers when we prepared it last time.
katie watts
you are a genius! my kids are going to love this! thank you so much for adding this into our family's menu!
Tammilee
ahhh, Thank you!
Ashley
This looks amazing, can't wait to make it! I'm wondering if you drained the Rotel before you add it in with the beef? Thanks!
Tammilee
Hi, I drained the Ro-Tel before I added it.
Fran Clark
wish I had known this before I started. Hope it turns out okay, it is almost done
Fran Clark
Thought I would let you know that it turned out okay, Just a little too much liquid. Tasted good. We will make it again but will probably use cream of mushroom soup.
Any way to keep it from burning on the sides of the crockpot even on low?
Julianne
Have you tried it yet with the cream of Mushroom? My husband doesn't like tomatos, onions, peppers...we are more a meat and potato kind of family.
Teresa
ive made it with cream of mushroom and it is AMAZING.
Leslie
I LOVE the ziploc slow cooker liners when I use my slow cookers...clean up is super easy, even if a hole has appeared in the liner, I don't have to super scrub my slow cookers anymore, they still look brand new!
Janice
Hi Tammilee. Just found your Crock Pot Tator Tot casserole recipe and it looks wonderful. I was just wondering if you drain the hamb meat before adding Rotel? Thanks.
Teresa
i usually do Janice. 🙂
Miriam
Just put this in my slow cooker. It was highly recommended by a friend. I can't wait to try it!
Tammilee
That is fantastic. Let me know what you think. It is one of our favorites.
Carolyn
If I won't have a stove top to use while making this do you think I can put the ground beef in the crockpot first and cook longer?
Karen
My husband is a lover of tater tots. I wonder if sausage would work in place of ground beef. I have an over abundance of venison sausage in my freezer and need a creative way to use it other than for breakfast.
Tammilee
Hi, I think sausage would work great. I have been thinking about playing with the recipe and making a breakfast version.
Kayla
Cream of chicken soup sounds funny to me with ground beef, I'm thinking cream of mushroom instead?
Barb
Kayla, I thought the same with the cream of chicken, but I tried it and it is AWESOME! I made this the other night and my husband LOVED IT..I did it with the hot RoTel tomatoes and it was perfect..a little heat but not too much..definitely a keeper!
Tammilee
Barb, I am so glad you loved the recipe!
Laura
What is RoTel? Is that canned tomatoes?
Tammilee
Yes, It is canned tomatoes with spices added to them.
Michelle W
What if you can't buy RoTel in Canada? I've never seen this on the shelf anywhere. I looked on Amazon to see what the can looks like. To be honest I've never even seen it on a shelf in the U.S. but I wasn't looking for it either. What would you suggest as a substitute?
Tammilee
Hi, I would use diced tomatoes. You may be able to find them pre-seasoned to add the bit of spice if you like spicy foods.
ArizonaMimi
Rotel is a can of diced tomatoes and some diced green chiles. I would get a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chiles. It's sooooooooo yum!
kris newcomb
I had a hard time finding Rotel, because, I thought it was in the obvious place, the hispanic section. Nope. Rotel is found in the section with the canned tomatoes. In my store it is on the top shelf. Hope this helps!
Traci Kohls
HI there...I am looking for some crock pot meals for a "Crock Pot Potluck" we are having at church...how many does this recipe serve? I'm just wondering if I need to double or triple this recipe to feed 10+ people. Thanks!
Tammilee
Hi, I might double it just to make sure you have enough. It tastes amazing so people may come back for seconds and thirds.
Laurie
I made this last weekend and my husband LOVED it. Thanks for sharing!
Ellen Christian
A friend of mine makes a tater tot casserole. I've never tried it myself but it does look good.
Rachel Blom
I never used Rotel when I used to make tater tot casserole but may have to when I figure out a gluten free cream of chicken soup so that I can make it again.
BTW, my kiddos also love tater tot nachos. Just in case you 're interested in another quick & easy meal w/tater tots 🙂
Tammilee
Rachel, I have never made tater tot nachos. they sound fantastic. I am going to have to add that to our menu plan soon. It sounds like a dish everyone would love.
Stephanie
Do you use the entire 5lb bag of tater tots?
Tammilee
Hi, I did not use the entire bag. I just bought the 5 pounds because it was cheaper. I covered the top of the crock pot with tater tots
Jamie
Love tater tot casserole!! Gosh, I haven't made it in awhile though.. this looks like a GREAT recipe to try =)
Tammilee
Let us know if you try it. My Husband loved it and has asked for it a couple of times since I made it.
Laura
I first heard of this recipe when watching the Duggars on 19 Kids and Counting - probably it was a few children ago. I have to say I've never tried it, though. Certainly it sounds like it could feed a bunch, and I love the idea of making it in the crockpot! Thanks!