In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
Add minced garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper and saute for 1-2 minutes longer, until garlic is fragrant.
Stir in cream of mushroom soup and frozen vegetables over medium heat, until well combined.
Layer warm beef mixture in a 9x13 casserole dish.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Top with tater tots in an even layer. They can be spread over the top or lined in neat little rows. Tastes the same either way!
Brush the melted butter over the tatertots.
Bake for about 40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
Cover cooled casserole with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store, refrigerated, for 2-3 days.
If you’d like to substitute a lean meat such as ground turkey or chicken, use a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet to help saute the meat and onions.
You can use either frozen or canned veggies for this recipe. Choose the type of vegetables you like the most for this dish. Anything from corn, green beans, broccoli, peas, bell peppers, and carrots make great options.
I’ve found that different brands of tatertots brown differently. I like to use “Golden” tatertots and also brush with butter for the best golden color on the finished dish.
Top with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, green onion, or chives for a pretty finish with a little freshness.
2 cups of grated cheese provide a nice, cheesy layer. You can reduce the amount by half for a lighter sprinkle of cheese. I always recommend shredding a block of cheese yourself over buying pre-bagged shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents which prevent it from melting as well.
Casserole can also be frozen for up to 1 month. You can assemble in advance and freeze. Wrap well with plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to bake. Cook time may need adjusting if the casserole is going into the oven straight from the refrigerator.