Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Canned Goods
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 14.5 ounces fire roasted tomatoes, drained (1 can)
Dairy
- 4 oz whipped cream cheese
- 8 oz shredded mild cheddar cheese
Other
- 2 pounds tater tots
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Nonstick canola oil spray, for greasing slow cooker
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño. Break up the beef as it cooks and stir occasionally to brown evenly and soften the vegetables.
- Drain Excess Grease: Once the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables are softened, spoon off any excess grease from the skillet to avoid excess fat in the casserole.
- Add Beans and Cream Cheese: Stir in black beans, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and whipped cream cheese until well combined. Heat the mixture through for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and soften the cream cheese.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert generously with nonstick canola oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Tater Tots and Filling: Place half of the tater tots in an even layer on the bottom of the slow cooker. Spoon the ground beef mixture evenly over the tots. Then top with the remaining tater tots.
- Add Salsa and Cheese: Drizzle salsa over the top layer of tater tots and sprinkle the shredded mild cheddar cheese evenly over everything.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the tater tots are hot and slightly crispy around the edges and the cheese is fully melted.
Notes
- You can adjust the jalapeño amount or omit seeds to control the spiciness.
- Use mild, sharp, or pepper jack cheese to vary the flavor profile.
- For extra crispiness on top, you can place the cooked casserole under a broiler for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the microwave or oven.
- This casserole can be made vegetarian by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American