Tater Tot Casserole with layers of green beans, cheese, ground beef, and an easy, homemade cream of mushroom sauce is a hearty dinner idea everyone loves!
Preheat the oven to 375° and have ready a greased 9x13" casserole dish
Add the ground beef, 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Break apart and cook until the pink no longer shows (about 10 minutes).
Have ready a colander place over a large bowl, pour the contents of the pan into the colander, and set aside. Wipe the pan clean and return to the stovetop over medium heat.
Add the butter and allow it to melt. As soon as the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and mushrooms and stir. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Stir in the flour, then, add the chicken broth one big splash at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir in the half-and-half and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Remove the pan from the heat and add 1 cup Cheddar, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, garlic powder, and stir to combine. Add the green beans, half of the tater tots, and the strained ground beef to the mixture and stir once more.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, top with the remaining tater tots, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, add the remaining 1 1/2 cup of Cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, serve and enjoy!
The Anthony Kitchen