Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
Try this Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole recipe.
Try this Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole recipe.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn kernels
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon seasoning blend ((i used italian))
- 1 cup frozen sweet peas
- 64 ounces bags frozen tater tots (for later (two 32oz bags)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (for later)
- Carbohydrate 8.13053138134214 g
- Cholesterol 43.6500389564916 mg
- Fat 10.0259537641731 g
- Fiber 0.763576785921668 g
- Protein 11.7919200867943 g
- Saturated Fat 4.21096756293045 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (8 servings per bagged meal) (238g)
- Sodium 114.596801215903 mg
- Sugar 7.36695459542047 g
- Trans Fat 1.30756034799778 g
- Calories 171 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet brown ground beef over medium high heat until fully cooked and no pink remains and drain any fat
- Add flour and stir to coat all beef evenly with flour
- Slowly add broth while continuing to stir to ensure no lumps form from flour
- Add seasonings and bring mixture up to a slow boil and then reduce to a simmer
- Let simmer for about 5-7 minutes until broth thickens to coat the spoon
- Stir in the cream and continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes to let everything thicken to the texture of cream soup
- Add peas and corn and stir to combine evenly
- Cool and split the beef mixture into two separate gallon size freezer bags
- Freeze until ready to use
- Thaw overnight in fridge
- Spray crock with nonstick spray
- Place half of one bag of tater tots in the bottom of crock
- Top with meat mixture
- Add remaining half of tater tots and then top with 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8
My Go-To Freezer Meal: Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend hours in the kitchen. That's where freezer meals become my absolute lifesaver. They’re a brilliant way to ensure my family has nutritious, home-cooked meals even on those crazy-busy evenings. And among my collection of freezer-friendly recipes, this Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole reigns supreme. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to assemble, and tastes just as good as a freshly-made casserole.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a fantastic base that can be easily customized to your preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand. I often swap out the peas and corn for other vegetables, like broccoli florets or diced carrots, depending on what’s in season. Sometimes, I even add a layer of crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are truly endless! And the best part? Once you’ve prepped the components, assembling it is a breeze. Even my kids can help with this part!
I typically prepare several batches of this casserole whenever I have a little extra time on my hands, maybe on a weekend afternoon. I portion them into freezer-safe bags, label them clearly with the date, and then simply pop them in the freezer. On a hectic weeknight, I just thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, transfer it to the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, we have a comforting and delicious meal ready to go. It saves me precious time and energy, allowing me to focus on other important things, like spending quality time with my family. It’s also a great option for meal prepping for the week, especially if you have a family to feed.
Beyond the convenience, this casserole is incredibly versatile. It's a hearty meal perfect for a chilly evening, a satisfying lunch for busy days, or even a comforting dish to share with friends and family. The combination of crispy tater tots, creamy beef filling, and melted cheese is irresistible, making it a guaranteed hit with everyone. And because it's a freezer meal, you always have a delicious back-up plan ready for unexpected guests or those nights when you just can't face cooking.
The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, and the preparation process is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. There’s minimal chopping or complex techniques involved, making it an excellent choice for those short on time or experience in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily adjust the seasoning to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your signature tater tot casserole. Perhaps add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, some smoked paprika, or a blend of your favorite Italian herbs.
This freezer meal has become a staple in our household, a testament to its deliciousness and convenience. It's a recipe that has saved me countless hours and reduced my kitchen stress significantly. It's more than just a meal; it's a time-saver, a stress-reliever, and a delicious way to ensure my family enjoys wholesome home-cooked meals even amidst the whirlwind of modern life. It's become a bit of a family favorite, and I hope it does the same for you. So, give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a true time-saver and a delicious addition to your freezer meal repertoire.
Pro-Tip: For even crispier tater tots, consider broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of cooking time. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
So, if you're looking for a simple yet satisfying freezer meal that’s guaranteed to please your family, then look no further than this slow cooker tater tot casserole. You won’t regret it! The ease of preparation, the delicious taste, and the amazing convenience make it a true winner in my book. Embrace the simplicity, enjoy the taste, and reclaim some precious time in your busy schedule.
