1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2️⃣ Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Drain excess fat if needed.

3️⃣ Prepare the creamy mixture: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream with the beef mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.

4️⃣ Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.

5️⃣ Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.

6️⃣ Layer the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

7️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

8️⃣ Top with more cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9️⃣ Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.