My first crockpot slow cooker, my first attempt was this tater tot casserole. I think the cream of mushroom is key. I took it to a work party, where most people had been using slow cookers for years. They all loved, scoffed it down rapidly, and asked where I got the recipe.

This was better than I thought it was going to be. I'm a novice cook trying to learn the ropes of cooking and gain some confidence and this was such a great hearty meal that was so easy to throw together. All four of my picky eaters gobbled it up which is a feat. It fed myself (with a hearty appetite) and all my kids (2-8) and there was plenty leftover for another adult or as I am happily having it (hefty portion too) for lunch the next day. I used cream of celery soup and instead of mixed veggies a frozen bag of carrots and peas and it was a perfect combo. I also opted to bake it instead as already suggested. I'm not sure it wouldn't be fine in the crockpot although the top layer of tots wouldn't be crunchy. They make extra crunchy tots now, so maybe those would make up the difference. If nothing else, y ou could probably make the top layer in the oven (toaster even even) to throw on top at the end if you really had your heart on using the crockpot and still wanted crispy tots. All in all, glad I tried it and will definitely be having it again.

I did this in the crockpot on low for about 7 hours. I also added garlic powder & italian seasoning while browning the meat. I did use less veggies. I would definately make this recipe again. Doing it in the oven would make it more crispy which I like. I also used cream of mushroom soup & am going to try different kinds next.