A quick, comforting casserole featuring crispy tots, seasoned ground beef, and creamy vegetables for holiday meals.
# Components:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
04 - 1/2 cup frozen corn
→ Sauces & Dairy
05 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
→ Topping
08 - 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Method steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Stir in frozen peas, carrots, and corn; cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
04 - Add condensed mushroom soup, whole milk, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and simmer for 2 minutes.
05 - Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
06 - Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crisp.
08 - Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
09 - Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole. Serve hot.
