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1. Get Ready to Bake
- Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and achieves a golden-brown crust.
Prepare the Ingredients:
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Continue until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
3. Mix the Creamy Base
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well-blended.
- Season: Add the onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
4. Incorporate the Fillings
- Mix Fillings: Using a wooden spoon, stir in the cooked ground beef, frozen corn, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon into the creamy mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Layer in the Pan
- Prepare the Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the Mixture: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
6. Add Toppings
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface.
Bake the Casserole:
7. Bake
- Initial Baking: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Final Touch: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
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