I believed my aunts' creation was a thing of the past, but to my surprise, I've rediscovered it, and it's even more delightful!

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Variations & Tips
For a bit of a kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can also swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. For a different cheese flavor, try using pepper jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses. And if you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top before baking adds a delightful crunch.