Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the butter, cooking sherry or beef broth, cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and Italian dressing mix until smooth.
Add Ground Beef: Stir the cooked and drained ground beef into the cream cheese mixture until evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the beef mixture in a single layer.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Rotate the dish and continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden.