Cheesy Smoked Sausage Tater Tots

Ingredients

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 14–16 oz smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Slice the sausage into bite-size rounds. For extra flavor, brown the sausage in a skillet for 3–4 minutes before assembling the casserole.
3. Make the creamy mixture. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, diced onion, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and about 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
4. Add the sausage and tots. Stir the sliced smoked sausage and frozen tater tots into the creamy mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the tater tots are beginning to turn golden.
7. Add more cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8. Finish baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the tots are golden around the edges.