Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (900g) frozen tater tots
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
  • 1 (10.75 ounce / 305g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. For variations, replace beef with chorizo, pulled pork or chicken
  4. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. For variations add additional ingredients as specified in the variations ingredient list
  5. Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese (or other cheese specified in the variations.)
  6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
  7. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese (or other cheese specified in the variations) and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.