In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.
Drain and return to skillet.
Add the soup, mixed vegetables, drained corn and milk to the skillet with the beef and combine.
Pour the mixture into a 13x9 inch baking pan.
Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese on top of mixture.
Top with the tater tots.
Bake for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of the casserole and bake 5 more minutes or until cheese has melted.
Notes
Customize Seasonings: While the recipe includes basic seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder, don't hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or sprinkle in some Italian seasoning for an extra herbaceous kick.
Thaw Frozen Ingredients: To ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture in the casserole, consider thawing the frozen mixed vegetables before adding them to the skillet. This helps prevent the vegetables from releasing excess water during baking, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful casserole.
Layering Tater Tots: When placing the tater tots on top of the casserole, arrange them in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness. Avoid overlapping the tater tots as much as possible to ensure that they bake evenly and develop a golden-brown crust on top.