Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Tip: Break up the beef as it cooks for an even texture throughout the casserole.
Season the Mixture:
Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture to create a deliciously cheesy layer.
Pour the Soup:
Pour the condensed tomato soup over the cheese layer, spreading it out with a spatula for even coverage.
Top with Tater Tots:
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the tomato soup layer, covering the entire surface for a crispy topping.
Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm.