Description
Easy crockpot Cowboy Casserole! Ground beef, veggies, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheddar cheese make this a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (32 ounce) package frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Soups: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup. Stir until well blended.
- Add Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Add the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) to the soup mixture. Stir to combine.
- Incorporate Corn and Green Beans: Add the drained corn and green beans to the soup mixture. Stir well.
- Season: Season with garlic powder and black pepper. Stir to incorporate.
- Combine Beef Mixture with Creamy Base: Pour the browned ground beef, onion, and bell pepper mixture into the crockpot. Then, pour the creamy soup and vegetable mixture over the top of the beef. Stir everything together gently until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Add Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots. Cover and let the cheese melt completely.
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out generous portions and serve hot.
Notes
- Variations:
- Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
- Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Make it vegetarian with plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Crockpot Size: Best suited for a 6-quart or larger crockpot.
- Tater Tot Tips: Place tater tots in a single layer for crispier results. Lightly spray with cooking spray before adding.
- Soup Substitutions: Cream of celery or cream of potato soup can be substituted.
- Troubleshooting:
- If the casserole is too dry, add a little beef broth or milk.
- If the tater tots are not crispy, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of cooking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes