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1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the casserole bakes evenly and achieves that golden, bubbly finish.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Once browned, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add Cream of Mushroom Soup:
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, mixing it well with the beef and onions. The soup adds creaminess and richness to the casserole, tying all the ingredients together.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Then, spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish, creating a smooth layer.
5. Add the Tater Tots:
Next, evenly arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture. These will bake up to a crispy, golden brown, creating a perfect topping for your casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
7. Add the Cheese:
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving and Storage Tips:
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