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Golden brown crispy tater tots topping a hearty slow cooker cowboy casserole with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and savory beans.

Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole

This slow cooker cowboy casserole delivers crispy tater tots, melty cheese, and a savory beef-and-bean filling — all made while you do anything else. Perfect for the busiest weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-qt Slow Cooker
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Box Grater

Ingredients
  

Beef Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tbsp homemade)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese, divided
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

For Topping

  • to taste sour cream
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • to taste pickled jalapeños (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up as it goes. Add the garlic, the taco seasoning, and a splash of water. Cook for one more minute — it should smell warm and seasoned by this point.
  • Layer it right: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the beans, the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), the green chiles, and the frozen corn. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheese over the mixture and stir until it just starts to melt.
  • Add the tots: Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the beef mixture. Pack them in tight so they form a solid crust.
  • Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The filling should be bubbly at the edges.
  • The final touch: About 20 minutes before you're ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the tots. Return the lid and let it melt. For extra crispy tots, pop the whole insert (if it's oven-safe) or transfer the tots to a baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely.
  • Serve: Scoop into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, and pickled jalapeños if you like the heat.

Notes

Don't stir the tots into the filling — they should sit on top like a layer of armor. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the filling set. For dairy-free, use a coconut oil-based cheddar shred and skip the sour cream. For gluten-free, use certified GF taco seasoning and corn tots.
Keyword cowboy casserole, slow cooker cowboy casserole