Slow Cooker Tater Tots
This Slow Cooker Tater Tots recipe is SO EASY! A cozy, flavorful layered dish perfect for busy nights, loaded with taco seasoning, cheese, beans, and fresh toppings.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving Dish
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots (1 bag)
- 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
- 1 cup low-fat shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 0.5 cup salsa (fresh or jarred, preferred heat level)
- 0.5 cup low-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons scallions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped fresh)
- 0.5 medium avocado (sliced or diced)
- 0.25 cup guacamole (optional)
- 1 cup chopped chicken or taco meat (pre-cooked, seasoned)
- 0.25 cup red onion (finely chopped)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by thawing your frozen tater tots slightly for easier layering. Drain and rinse your black beans, chop the scallions, cilantro, red onion, and avocado. If you’re using chicken or taco meat, ensure it’s fully cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Taco Seasoning
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Packet with your black beans, salsa, and chopped chicken or taco meat. Stir everything together so the seasoning coats the ingredients thoroughly, building that signature taco flavor.
Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker
- In your slow cooker, spread half of the frozen tater tots as the bottom layer. Spoon half of the taco-seasoned mixture evenly over the tots. Add a generous layer of low-fat shredded cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining tater tots, taco mixture, and finish with another layer of cheese on top. This layering ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the tater tots are tender and the cheese has melted beautifully. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the heat consistent.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, sprinkle the dish with fresh scallions, cilantro, and diced red onion. Add dollops of low-fat sour cream and sliced avocado or guacamole on top. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!
Notes
- For extra crispy tots, transfer cooked dish to a baking sheet and broil for a few minutes before serving.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding extra beans or corn.
- Assemble the slow cooker layers the night before; add an extra hour to cooking if starting from cold.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat gently to maintain texture.
- Customize with seasonal toppings like grilled corn, roasted squash, or fresh tomatoes for variety.