Slow Cooker Poor Man Independence Pie

This easy slow cooker poor man independence pie is made with just 4 simple things you may already have at home. Ground beef, veggies, and tater tots cook together low and slow for a warm, filling dinner that’s perfect for busy nights and hungry families.

This slow cooker poor man independence pie is a cheap and easy casserole that turns a few simple things from your freezer and pantry into a filling family dinner. It’s a lot like the classic hamburger-and-potato bakes people have made for years, but using a slow cooker makes it even easier. The beef cooks low and slow under a cozy layer of creamy soup, veggies, and tater tots, making a warm, soft meal that needs very little work from you.

Serve it with a crunchy green salad, simple steamed green beans, or buttery corn to balance out the rich flavors. You can also add a little ketchup, hot sauce, or chopped parsley on top for extra taste. If you want to feed more people, warm dinner rolls or buttered bread slices are easy to add too.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw ground beef
• 1 bag (about 32 oz) of frozen tater tots
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 bag (12 to 16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables

Slow Cooker Poor Man Independence Pie: Directions

1. Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray, or rub a thin layer of oil inside. This helps stop the food from sticking to the pot.
2. Break the raw ground beef apart into small chunks with your hands or a spoon, then spread it out in an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Spoon the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the top of the beef, spreading it out so it covers most of the meat.
4. Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables evenly over the soup layer, making sure they spread out across the whole pot.
5. Pour the frozen tater tots on top of everything. Spread them out so they cover the entire surface as much as possible.
6. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook it on LOW flame about 5 – 6 hours, or on HIGH heat for 3 to 4 hrs. The dish is ready when the beef is fully cooked through and the vegetables feel soft. If you want the tater tots a little drier and crispier on top, take the lid off for the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Scoop big spoonfuls into bowls or onto plates, and serve while it’s warm.

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