Tater Tot Casserole night

Its Tater Tot Casserole night, at this Krupicka's place! 

Growing up we never had this casserole at home, and I have no idea why. It was only the one or two times a year at potlucks, were we able to enjoy this Midwestern delicacy. It combines all of the best comfort foods in one dish: tater tots, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, ground beef, and green beans (have to make it a little healthy). It is simple to make, plus makes for great leftovers (if you are lucky enough to have leftovers, that is). Since it is just me- there will be lots of leftovers for many, many, many days...

Here is the recipe, courtesy of my good friend Libby. I tweaked it a tiny bit.

1- 2 lb. pkg of Frozen tater tots                                  1/2 Cup milk
1 lb. ground beef                                                        1/2 small onion, chopped
Lawry's seasoning salt                                                 2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 16 oz. pkg. of frozen green beans                  
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (condensed)

Brown ground beef and onion, season to taste with seasoning salt. Drain and set aside.
Line the bottom of an 11 X 13'' pan with one layer of frozen tater tots (save some to sprinkle on the top later). Layer the ground beef then green beans. In a bowl, mix soup and enough milk so the mixture is pourable. Pour the mixture over the pan to coat the casserole. Top with shredded cheese and top with additional tater tots. Bake for 30-45 minutes at 425 degrees, until the cheese is melted.

Adam with his Chicago background, had never really heard about the famous casserole. I think he would be intrigued. And then focused, on lining up the tater tots. He's a perfectionist (like me, but way more) so things can be a little interesting sometimes...