Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lb 80/20 ground chuck beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Note: A hot oven is critical for starting the crisping process immediately.
  2. Brown the 1.5 lb ground chuck in a large skillet over medium high heat until the meat is no longer pink and begins to sizzle.
  3. Add the finely diced yellow onion to the skillet. Note: Cooking the onion in the beef fat softens it and releases its natural sugars.
  4. Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  5. Drain the excess grease from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  6. Combine the beef mixture with 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup beef broth, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp pepper.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 baking dish if you aren't using an oven safe skillet.
  8. Sprinkle 1 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the beef filling.
  9. Arrange the 32 oz of frozen tater tots in a single, tight layer across the top until the beef is completely covered.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tots are golden and crackling.