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Crockpot Cowboy Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

This Crockpot Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and comforting 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 and lets the slow cooker do the work for a deliciously warm and cheesy dinner.

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

Topping

  • 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen tater tots

Instructions

  1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  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 the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Add Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in a single layer on top of the mixture in the slow cooker to create a crispy topping.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 5 hours. Alternatively, cook on High for 3 hours until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are soft and fully cooked.
  5. Crisp the Tots (Optional): For a crispy, browned finish, transfer the casserole into a baking dish and place under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until the tater tots turn golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Make sure to brown and drain the ground beef to reduce excess grease and ensure a flavorful casserole.
  • You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup based on preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternative, though results may vary.
  • If you don’t have a broiler, the casserole can be served directly from the slow cooker with softer tater tots.
  • Feel free to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for some extra flavor and heat.