Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In a large pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat and add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Allow the onion and bell pepper to cook for 3-5 minutes until they become translucent. Then add the ground beef. Mix the beef into the onion and pepper while breaking up the ground beef. Allow the beef to cook for 10-15 minutes or until completely cooked.

Drain the beef mixture, removing excess fat and return the mixture back to the pot. Season with the salt, pepper, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Mix the seasoning into the beef. Now add the pickles and stir. Remove from heat.

In a medium saucepan on low to medium heat melt the butter. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour. Once you have whisked in the flour it will appear lumpy. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to remove the lumps. Once the milk begins to steam add half of the sharp cheddar cheese. Constantly stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Into a 9×13 casserole pan, add the beef mixture and spread it evenly in the dish. Add the tater tots lining them in rows on top of the beef. Next, pour the cheese sauce over the tater tots. Sprinkle the diced tomatoes on top of the tater tots and sprinkle the last half of the cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool before serving.

Note: I suggest that you buy two 8-ounce blocks of sharp cheddar cheese and grate them yourself because it melts better than the pre-shredded cheese.