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Crockpot Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

This Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is a cozy, hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, corn, creamy soup, and cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy tater tots. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare by simply layering ingredients in a slow cooker, making dinner both simple and delicious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine ingredients: Add the browned and drained ground beef, drained corn, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Add tater tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer on top of the mixture inside the slow cooker.
  4. Cook the casserole: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low heat for 5 hours or on High heat for 3 hours, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are fully cooked and soft.
  5. Optional crispy finish: For a crispy topping, transfer the casserole to a baking dish and broil it for 2–3 minutes until the tater tots become lightly browned and crispy before serving.

Notes

  • You can choose cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup based on your preference or dietary needs.
  • To save time, brown the ground beef ahead of time or use pre-cooked ground beef.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add some chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • Broiling the casserole at the end crisps the tater tots nicely but is optional if you want to serve it directly from the slow cooker.
  • Use a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure enough space for the ingredients and proper cooking.