Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles and allowing it to sear for 2-3 minutes undisturbed.
  2. Add the diced onions to the beef and cook until translucent. Drain any excess rendered fat from the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce is uniform and velvety.
  4. Pour the savory beef mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the beef foundation.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer across the top. Bake for 40 minutes until the tots are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.