Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It & Forget It : 10 minutes of prep, then the crockpot does the rest.
- Comfort Food Classic : Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory beef.
- Kid-Friendly : Tater tots and melty cheese make it a family hit.
- Budget-Friendly : Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef.
- Customizable : Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust spice levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 6–8
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium onion , diced
- 1 bell pepper , diced (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 4 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for extra creaminess)
- Optional Toppings : Green onions, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Beef (Optional) :
Sauté beef in a skillet until browned; drain excess grease. (Skip for extra ease—crockpot will cook raw beef, but browning adds flavor.)Layer in the Crockpot :
- Add beef, onion, and bell pepper to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in cream of mushroom soup and beef broth; stir gently.
Add Tater Tots :
Spread frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture.Cook :
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours , until tots are tender and the beef is cooked through.Top with Cheese :
Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella over the tots. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes more, until melted.Serve :
Garnish with green onions or sour cream. Serve straight from the crockpot!
Why This Recipe Works
- Tater Tot Magic : They absorb the savory broth and soften into a creamy layer.
- Slow-Cooked Beef : Becomes tender and infused with spices and veggies.
- Cheese Pull : The combo of cheddar and mozzarella creates a gooey, indulgent finish.
