Description

This Crockpot Steak and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pieces of steak, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots into one mouthwatering dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole delivers hearty flavors with minimal effort, thanks to the convenience of slow cooking. The combination of savory steak, creamy cheese, and crispy potatoes creates a rich, satisfying meal that will quickly become a household favorite

Ingredients

• 1 lb steak, thinly sliced (sirloin or flank steak works best)
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Method

Prepare the steak and vegetables
Start by slicing the steak thinly, against the grain, to ensure tenderness. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the sliced steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until browned but not fully cooked through. This quick sear locks in the flavor and adds a rich depth to the casserole. Set the steak aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the casserole by bringing out the sweetness in the vegetables.

Mix the creamy base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. This creamy mixture will act as the base of the casserole, ensuring that the tater tots stay moist while cooking and providing a velvety texture to the overall dish.

Layer the casserole in the crockpot
Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Grease the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray or a light coating of oil. Start by adding half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them out in an even layer. Next, layer the sautéed steak and vegetables over the tater tots. Pour the cream of mushroom mixture evenly over the steak and veggies, making sure everything is coated.

Add cheese and more tater tots
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese on top of the steak and veggies. Add the remaining tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Top the casserole with the remaining cheddar cheese. The layers of cheese will melt beautifully as the dish cooks, creating a gooey, cheesy center with crispy tater tots on top.

Cook the casserole
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the casserole on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, making the steak tender and the cheese fully melted. By the end of cooking, the tater tots on top should be golden and crispy.

Garnish and serve
Once the casserole is fully cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the casserole hot, straight from the crockpot, and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness with every bite. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the cream of mushroom mixture. The mustard will enhance the depth of flavor, adding a subtle tang that complements the richness of the steak and cheese. Additionally, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as Gouda or Swiss, for a more complex cheese profile.

Conclusion:

The Crockpot Steak and Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect dish for those who love hearty, cheesy comfort food. With tender steak, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots all in one bite, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the hungriest of eaters. The crockpot does most of the work, making this recipe convenient for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Add this recipe to your rotation and enjoy a dish that combines all the best elements of comfort cooking.