Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, milk, sour cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder into the beef mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and heated through.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the beef mixture.
Step 6: Pour the beef and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Step 8: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole. Do not thaw the tater tots beforehand.
Step 9: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. For extra crispiness, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 10: Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set slightly. Serve hot and enjoy your golden tater tot casserole supreme recipe!