Tater Tot Casserole: Cheesy Beef Hotdish Recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a standard 9x13 inch casserole dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat thoroughly.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook with the beef for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Mix in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. Remove the mixture from the heat and set aside.
5. Return the empty skillet to medium heat. Melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 60 seconds (to form the roux foundation).
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and stock until smooth. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. Pour the creamy cheese sauce directly into the skillet with the reserved beef and vegetable filling. Stir well until the filling is evenly coated.
9. Transfer the entire beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
10. Arrange the frozen tater tots tightly in a single layer over the beef mixture.
11. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling hot and the tater tots are golden brown and beginning to crisp.
12. Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar over the crispy tater tots. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the sauce to set up nicely.