Crock Pot John Wayne Casserole

My family already has a tater tot casserole that they love, especially my husband, but I always like to try new dishes even if it is similar to a family favorite. Although this tater tot recipe does not beat the family favorite one it is really good and most importantly my family enjoyed and wants to have it again.

Apparently there is a history to the name John Wayne Casserole and several different recipes. Some that are meatless and some that involve biscuits and jalapeños. But it seems the one common thread to all of these is the southwest flavors.

No matter how this recipe came to be, it is worth making. Although the next time I make it I am going to incorporate some jalapeños or chilies into the recipe, to add some spiciness to it.

Crock Pot John Wayne Casserole

Ingredients:

• 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
• 2/3 cup water
• 16 ounces sour cream
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• tomatoes, diced

Directions:

1. Spray the crock pot with cooking spray.
2. Add in the tater tots and spread into an even layer.
3. In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add in the turkey, onion and bell pepper. Stir occasionally, breaking up the turkey as it cooks.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Continue to cook and stir until no liquid remains.
5. Evenly pour the meat over the tater tots.
6. In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream, pepper, onion powder and half of the cheese. Spread this mixture over the meat.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 1/2 hours, do not open the lid during the cook time.
8. After the cooking time has ended remove the lid and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover the crock pot and let the cheese melt, about 5-10 minutes.
9. Before serving, top with diced tomatoes.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:
I used my homemade taco seasoning mix.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 533
Total Fat		34.6g
Saturated Fat		16.9g
Polyunsaturated Fat		2.6g
Monounsaturated Fat		5.7g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		110mg
Sodium		825.6mg
Potassium		586.1mg
Total Carbohydrates		33.5g
Dietary Fiber		3.7g
Sugars		4.6g
Protein		23.2g
Vitamin A 29.6% Vitamin C 48.4%
Calcium 31.6% Iron 12.2%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from The Magical Slow Cooker.