The Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is an irresistible blend of bold Southwestern flavors, creamy cheese, and a deliciously crispy tater tot topping, all slow-cooked to bubbly perfection. Imagine coming home to the warm aroma of seasoned beef and sausage layered with tender veggies and a touch of spice, all crowned with melty cheese. This is the ultimate comfort food that’s both fuss-free to prepare and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face—trust me, this is no ordinary casserole!

Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe champions simple, no-fuss ingredients—each lending a key role in flavor, heartiness, or a pop of color. These are pantry staples and easy finds, but together they make Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole a memorable one-dish wonder.

Ground Beef: Provides rich flavor and protein, making the base hearty and satisfying.
Breakfast Sausage (Jimmy Dean): Adds a savory, lightly spiced dimension that pairs perfectly with the other meats.
Chopped Onion: Gives a gentle, aromatic sweetness and depth to the dish.
Salt & Pepper: The essential seasonings—don’t skimp! They elevate all the other flavors.
Onion Powder: For a double punch of oniony goodness, ensuring an even savory flavor throughout.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Brings tang, color, and a gentle kick for that signature Tex Mex profile.
Whole Kernel Corn (including liquid): Adds subtle sweetness and juiciness, plus pretty pops of yellow.
Frozen Tater Tots: The ultimate comfort food topper—crispy outside, pillowy inside.
Shredded Colby Cheese: Melty, gooey, and just sharp enough to pull the casserole together!

How to Make Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meats

Begin by warming a skillet over medium heat and adding your chopped onion. Give it a quick two-minute sauté until it smells amazing and turns just translucent. Add the ground beef, breakfast sausage, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook, breaking up the meat, until there’s no pink left—about four to six minutes. The mixture should be well-browned and a little crispy at the edges for the best flavor.

Step 2: Mix in the Tex Mex Veggies

With your meats perfectly browned, stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, along with the can of corn—including its liquid for extra moisture and flavor. Allow this medley to simmer another two minutes, ensuring the flavors begin to meld. You’ll see gorgeous flecks of red, yellow, and green—just what you want for a true Tex Mex casserole!

Step 3: Layer the Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole

Generously spray your slow cooker liner with nonstick spray to make cleanup a breeze. Pour in half of the frozen tater tots, letting them form a cozy base. Next, layer on half of your meat-and-veggie mixture, spreading it evenly with a spoon. Follow with the remaining tater tots and then the rest of the flavorful meat layer. These stacked layers ensure every bite is packed with flavor and texture!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to High and cook for 2 and a half hours. This gives all the flavors a chance to become fast friends, with the tater tots softening underneath and the meat mixture releasing all its delicious juices.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

After 2 and a half hours, evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby cheese across the top. Pop the lid back on and cook for another 30 minutes—the cheese will melt into a glorious, melty blanket. The scent at this point is pure heaven and you’ll know the Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is ready to serve.

How to Serve Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

This dish positively sings with a sprinkle of extra salt and pepper, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a drizzle of your favorite salsa right before serving. These finishing touches add tang and freshness that play beautifully with the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

You can serve Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole as a one-dish wonder, but it’s also fabulous with crisp green salads, a scoop of guacamole, or oven-roasted veggies on the side. If you’re feeding a crowd, some warm tortillas or soft rolls are great for sopping up every delicious bite!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or casual gatherings, spoon the casserole into individual cups or mini cast iron pans, and set up a little toppings bar—think sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and extra cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, tuck spoonfuls inside taco shells or use as a hearty nacho topping for a truly unforgettable twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors just get better overnight, and the tater tots absorb even more of the saucy goodness!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for meal prep or surprise cravings!

Reheating

To reheat, either microwave individual portions until piping hot, or warm larger amounts in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. If you want to restore some crispiness to the tots, finish uncovered for the last few minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat in Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole?

Absolutely! You can swap out the breakfast sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even a spicy Italian sausage. Each option adds its own unique flavor, so experiment with what your family loves.

What if I can’t find Rotel tomatoes with green chilies?

No problem. Use any canned diced tomatoes and add a little chopped fresh jalapeño or a touch of hot sauce to mimic that spicy, tangy flavor.

Is it okay to use a different cheese?

Definitely! While Colby cheese melts beautifully, you can easily sub in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack for more heat. Freshly shredded cheese from a block melts best and gives that lovely stretchy texture.

Can I prep Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the layers in your slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, just insert into your slow cooker and cook as directed. So convenient!

How do I make it vegetarian?

Just omit the meats and use a plant-based crumble or more veggies, such as bell peppers, black beans, or zucchini. The seasonings and cheese will keep the Tex Mex flavors front and center.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort, Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is the answer. I hope you give it a try—there’s something magical about a slow cooker full of Tex Mex goodness just waiting to be shared. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, comforting bite!

Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Crockpot Tex Mex Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines flavorful ground beef, breakfast sausage, corn, tater tots, and gooey cheese, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Saute Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, saute the chopped onion for 2 minutes.
Cook Meat: Add ground beef, breakfast sausage, salt, pepper, and onion powder to the skillet. Cook until the meat is no longer pink (4-6 minutes).
Add Tomatoes and Corn: Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes and corn. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Layer in Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker liner with nonstick spray. Place half of the frozen tater tots at the bottom, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat with the remaining tater tots and meat mixture.
Cook: Cook on High for 2 1/2 hours.
Add Cheese: Cover the casserole with shredded Colby cheese and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve: Top with salt, pepper, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Notes

Ingredients Substitutions: – Breakfast sausage can be substituted with ground Italian sausage. – Rotel tomatoes with green chilies can be replaced by Rotel tomatoes with Jalapeno or a can of diced tomatoes and the juice of a jalapeno. – Cheese can be substituted with any type you prefer. – For extra flavor, add a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Tex-Mex