Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 tsp / 3g)
  • 1 (10.75 ounce / 305g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
  • 1 packet (1 ounce / 28g) ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (approx. 1/2 cup)
  • 1 (32 ounce / 907g) bag frozen tater tots
  • 1/2 cup (57g) shredded cheddar cheese (reserved from filling)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, pepper, and crumbled bacon. Mix well.
  5. Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is heated through. Now it's a proper tot casserole!
  8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.