1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.

2️⃣ Cook the ground beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease and season the beef mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Combine the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and drained vegetables. Stir until well blended.
Spread the filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.

4️⃣ Layer the tater tots:
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling, completely covering the surface.
If desired, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots for added cheesiness.

5️⃣ Bake the casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

6️⃣ Garnish and serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!