Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooked Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
When you dig into this Slow Cooked Tater Tot Casserole, you’ll immediately appreciate its comforting flavors and effortless preparation.
I love how this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
The best part? You can toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the crispy tater tots, making it a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Plus, it’s versatile; you can easily customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make this casserole a regular part of your meal rotation.
Ingredients of Slow Cooked Tater Tot Casserole
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, heartwarming meal that practically cooks itself, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. It’s like a hug in a bowl, with each bite delivering a delightful mix of creamy goodness and crispy tater tot perfection.
Plus, the best part? You don’t have to stand over the stove for hours. Just gather your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and you can go about your day while it does all the heavy lifting. Trust me, your family is going to love this one, and you might even find yourself making it on repeat—no judgment here.
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious casserole:
- 1 (32 ounce) bag of tater tots
- 1 (8 ounce) can of canned chicken or tuna
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 (14 ounce) can of drained green beans
- 1 (10 ounce) can of cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
- 1 tablespoon of minced onion
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese (shredded)
Now, before you dash off to the kitchen, let’s chat about some of these ingredients. For instance, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the canned chicken for something like shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover turkey—just think of it as a post-holiday miracle in a dish.
And if you’re not a fan of green beans, well, this recipe is pretty forgiving. You could throw in some corn or even peas instead. The creamy mushroom soup is the glue that holds everything together, but if you’re feeling fancy, why not use a homemade version?
Just know that I truly admire anyone who can whip up a soup from scratch—I’m still working on my culinary skills, and let’s just say my last attempt at homemade soup resembled more of a science experiment than gourmet fare.
How to Make Slow Cooked Tater Tot Casserole
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this Creamy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, shall we? The first step is to grab that 32-ounce bag of tater tots. Yes, the whole bag—because more tater tots equals more happiness, right?
Now, take your slow cooker and give it a good spray with some non-stick cooking spray to guarantee nothing sticks. Then, pour those frozen tater tots right into the greased cooker. They’ll be the glorious base of our casserole, absorbing all the creamy goodness that’s about to come.
Next, let’s whip up the creamy filling. In a separate bowl, combine one 8-ounce can of canned chicken (or tuna if you prefer that route), 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Sprinkle in that 14-ounce can of drained green beans, and don’t forget the 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup. Oh, the creamy magic!
Add in 1 tablespoon of minced onion and 1/2 cup of milk for that extra richness. Stir everything together until it’s all combined. Now pour this creamy mixture over the tater tots, and give it a gentle stir to make sure those tots are covered in deliciousness. It’s like tater tot spa day, and they’re loving it.
Now, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Set it on high for 3 hours or low for 4.5 to 5 hours—whatever fits your schedule. As you go about your day, you’ll be treated to the tantalizing aroma wafting through your home. Trust me, it’s pure torture waiting.
But here’s the fun part: about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This is where the dish transforms into a bubbling cheesy delight. Let it cook for that last half hour so the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
And there you have it, a cozy meal that practically made itself. Enjoy!
Slow Cooked Tater Tot Casserole Substitutions & Variations
While the classic creamy chicken tater tot casserole is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
For starters, if you’re not a fan of chicken, try substituting it with canned tuna or even ground beef for a different flavor. I’ve also swapped out green beans for broccoli or corn, depending on what’s in my fridge.
If you want to add a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. For a creamier texture, use cream cheese instead of cream of mushroom soup.
Get creative with your cheese choices too—pepper jack adds a nice kick! Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Slow Cooked Tater Tot Casserole
What goes well with a creamy chicken tater tot casserole? I love to serve it with a simple side salad. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a revitalizing crunch that balances the richness of the casserole.
You might also consider pairing it with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for an extra serving of nutrients. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread or a warm dinner roll complements the dish wonderfully.
Don’t forget a glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down! These sides not only enhance the meal but also make it feel complete and satisfying. Enjoy your cozy dinner!
Additional Tips & Notes
To make your creamy chicken tater tot casserole even more delightful, consider a few additional tips.
First, you can customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, like frozen peas or corn, for an extra nutritional boost. If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
For a little kick, try adding some hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the mix. I also recommend using different cheese varieties; pepper jack or mozzarella can add a nice twist.
Don’t forget to let the casserole sit for a few minutes after cooking; it helps the flavors meld together.
Finally, if you have leftovers, they reheat wonderfully in the oven or microwave. Enjoy your meal!