Classic Tater Tot Casserole

• •1 lb Ground beef (80/20 lean preferred)
• •1 10.5 oz can Cream of mushroom soup (condensed)
• •1 cup Sour cream
• •1 piece Medium onion (diced)
• •2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• •1 32 oz bag Frozen tater tots
• •to taste Salt
• •to taste Black pepper
• •to taste Onion powder
• •to taste Garlic powder
• •as needed to taste Cooking spray or butter (for greasing dish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. 2

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion together. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Season the mixture generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to your taste.

3. 3

   Once the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened, drain any excess grease from the skillet.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup and the sour cream with the beef and onion mixture until well combined and heated through.

5. 5

   Pour the beef mixture into the prepared 13x9 inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Gently press it down.

6. 6

   Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.

7. 7

   Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.

8. 8

   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

9. 9

   Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. 10

    Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to set, making it easier to serve.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
• 💡Ensure your tater tots are completely frozen when adding them to the casserole; thawing them first can result in a soggy topping.
• 💡If you prefer a lighter casserole, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.