Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab my trusty skillet. I brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat, breaking it up with my wooden spoon until it’s no longer pink. This is where the first wonderful smells start! I always take the extra minute to drain any excess grease—it prevents the final dish from being oily. Then I stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, a good pinch of salt, and pepper, letting the spices toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next, I turn off the heat. To the beef and onion mixture, I add the entire can of cream of mushroom soup (do not dilute it), the sour cream, drained corn, Worcestershire sauce, and half a cup of the shredded cheddar. I stir everything until it’s one glorious, creamy, cohesive mixture. I taste it here—this is my crucial moment to adjust the seasoning. It should taste delicious on its own, maybe needing another pinch of salt. I then pour this filling into my ungreased 9×13 dish and spread it into an even layer.
Now for the iconic topping: the Tater Tots. I arrange them in neat rows over the beef mixture, packing them in tightly. I’ve tried just scattering them, and you get sad, bare patches. Lining them up ensures every bite gets that crispy potato goodness. I pop the dish, uncovered, into the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The filling will start to bubble around the edges.
After 25 minutes, I carefully pull the casserole out (it’s hot and bubbly!) and sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the Tater Tots. This is my pro move: the cheese melts over the tots, making them even more irresistible. I return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the tots are deep golden brown and crispy. I let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving—this is torture, but it allows the filling to set so you get perfect scoops.(See the next page below to continue…)