Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole with Broccoli and Pepper Jack Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use frozen tater tots straight from the bag. Thawed tots can become mushy. If you like extra crispy edges, you can broil the casserole for a few minutes after slow cooking, but be sure to use an oven-safe insert.

For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese with jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the soup before spreading.

To keep the French-fried onions crunchy, add half of them at the beginning and the remaining half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

This way, the top layer stays crispy while the bottom layer melds into the casserole. If you are using a larger slow cooker, check the casserole at the 3-hour mark, as it may cook faster.

Variations

• Chicken Broccoli Tater Tot Bake: Add 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken to the layer with the broccoli for a heartier meal. Use cream of chicken soup instead of broccoli soup for a different flavor.
• Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole: Substitute the bacon with 1 cup of diced cooked ham. Use cream of mushroom soup and shredded cheddar cheese for a classic combination.
• Spicy Sausage and Pepper Jack: Add 1/2 pound of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage to the tots. Use pepper jack cheese and add a few slices of pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Broccoli Casserole: Omit the bacon and add an extra cup of broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms. Use cream of mushroom soup and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring once.

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. The texture may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor remains delicious.

This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Layer all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate.

When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, adding about 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled ingredients. You can also cook the casserole fully, then refrigerate and reheat when needed.

Serving ideas

Serve this casserole as a main dish with a simple green salad or steamed green beans on the side. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a hearty meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh fruit salad. The casserole is satisfying on its own, but a light side balances the richness.

Portion out generous scoops onto plates, making sure to get a bit of the crispy top in each serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or chives if desired. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings. It is sure to become a favorite for its ease and comforting flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Tater Tot Casserole with Broccoli and Pepper Jack

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb frozen golden potato tater tots
• 1 cup crispy crumbled bacon
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of broccoli soup
• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup crispy French-fried onions

Instructions

1. Place the frozen tater tots in an even layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the crispy crumbled bacon evenly over the tots, making sure some bacon falls between the tots for even flavor distribution.
2. Scatter the fresh broccoli florets over the bacon and tots. Spoon the condensed cream of broccoli soup over the top, using the back of the spoon to spread it gently over the broccoli and as much of the tots as possible. Do not stir.
3. Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly over the soup layer. Finish with the crispy French-fried onions, spreading them across the entire surface so they form a crunchy topping.
4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 4 hours, or until the tater tots are tender and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Do not lift the lid during the first 3 hours of cooking.
5. Once cooked, gently stir the casserole with a serving spoon to combine the layers, being careful not to crush the tots. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker or spoon onto plates.

Contains: gluten, milk, celery

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

520

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

33 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.