Description
A hearty one-pot meal combining ground beef, beans, corn, and crispy tater tots with melted cheddar cheese. This zero-hassle weekday dinner delivers bold flavors and comforting texture in a slow cooker, requiring minimal preparation for maximum flavor development.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (lean)
15 oz black beans (rinsed and drained)
15 oz corn kernels (canned or frozen)
32 oz tater tots (frozen potato rounds)
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
15 oz tomato sauce
2 tbsp chili powder
1 medium onion (diced)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional for browning)
1/2 tsp salt (optional)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Brown ground beef in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat until fully cooked
Drain excess grease from beef
Combine beef with diced onion, tomato sauce, chili powder, corn, and beans in a bowl
Transfer mixture to slow cooker
Place tater tots evenly over the beef mixture during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking
Top with shredded cheddar cheese during final 15 minutes of cook time
Serve warm with a sprinkle of paprika if desired
Notes
Ground turkey can substitute beef for a leaner option
Add frozen corn directly from the bag if using frozen
Cover tater tots with aluminum foil halfway through cooking to prevent burning
Let chili rest 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work & School
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 4750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg