Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute more.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk.
- Stir half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) into the ground beef mixture.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup mixture over the ground beef.
- If using mashed potatoes: In a small bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, and remaining cheddar cheese. Spread the mashed potato mixture evenly over the cream of mushroom soup layer. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- If using tater tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cream of mushroom soup layer. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, brown the ground beef in bacon fat instead of oil. You can also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef while browning. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. For extra flavor, consider adding a layer of sauteed mushrooms and onions under the ground beef layer.
