Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 32 oz frozen tater tots

Instructions:

  1. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until a deep mahogany-colored crust forms on the bottom.
  2. Stir in the diced onions and garlic, sautéing for 3–5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mustard, and half of the shredded cheddar until the mixture is velvety.
  6. Fold the creamy cheese mixture into the cooked beef until fully incorporated and the sauce is glossy.
  7. Transfer the beef mixture into a 9x13 baking dish, smoothing it with a spatula.
  8. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a tight, single layer across the top of the beef.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tots.
  10. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until the tater tots are crisp and the cheese is bubbling.