Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 1 tsp / 3g)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) salt
  • 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) black pepper
  • 1 (10.75 oz / 305g) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (any kind)
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (about 1/2 cup / 35g)
  • 2 lbs (907g) frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice!)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add cream of mushroom soup and milk to the skillet. Stir until well combined and heated through.
  6. Stir in crumbled bacon.
  7. Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.