Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Prepare the Base
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Layer the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
5. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Add More Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
7. Final Bake and Serve
Return the casserole to the oven and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
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