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

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Drain any excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir in the cooked meat and onion mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the meat mixture, covering it completely.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
Top with the crumbled bacon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Variations & Tips
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. You can also use cream of chicken soup instead of cream of mushroom for a different flavor. If you have picky eaters, consider serving the casserole with toppings on the side, such as extra cheese, bacon bits, or even a dollop of ranch dressing. For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.