Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole with Tater Tots

Close-up of a cheesy casserole topped with diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños.

5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole with Tater Tots

Slow cooker tater tot casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dinner made with seasoned ground beef, peppers, onions, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Just set it and let the crockpot do the work — golden tater tots included.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 20

Servings servings

Author Melissa Williams

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion diced
1 large green bell pepper diced
1 ounce taco seasoning
⅓ cup water or however much the taco seasoning packet calls for
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
32 ounces frozen tater tots
16 ounces sour cream
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Optional toppings

Instructions

Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until meat is browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain grease, if necessary.
1 pound lean ground beef
Add onions and bell peppers and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add taco seasoning, water, and Worcestershire sauce to skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally until thickened.
1 large yellow onion, 1 large green bell pepper, 1 ounce taco seasoning, ⅓ cup water, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Add frozen tater tots to the bottom of prepared slow cooker in an even layer. Pour meat mixture on top.
32 ounces frozen tater tots
To a medium sized mixing bowl, add the sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until combined and season with salt & pepper, to taste.
16 ounces sour cream, 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, black pepper
Spread the sour cream mixture on top of the meat mixture.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 6 hours.
After cooking time is done, add remaining cheese on top, cover and let cheese melt, about 10-15 minutes.
Serve garnished with diced tomatoes, jalapeno slices, green onions, and hot sauce, if desired.
Diced tomatoes, Jalapeño slices, Green onions, Hot sauce

Notes

I use a lean ground beef (93/7) but ground turkey or chicken can be used.
Depending on which taco seasoning brand you use (or homemade taco seasoning), you may not need to add additional salt & pepper.
Use frozen tater tots, do not thaw them first or they will be mushy.
To add heat, use spicy taco seasoning or add a can of spicy Rotel to the meat mixture.
For added protein, add in a can of drained & rinsed black or pinto beans.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can freeze for up to 3 months, however the sour cream layer may break in texture.

Every slow cooker runs differently. Times given are a general recommendation and should be tested in your own slow cooker and adjusted as needed.

Nutrition