Cheesy Sausage Tater Tots - Topped Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed (mild or spicy)
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic, to taste (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 2 (10 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1 1/4 cups evaporated milk (or 18% table cream)
• 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or to taste)

• 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots (potatoes)
• seasoning salt
• black pepper
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (or to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   Set oven to 350 degres.

2. 2

   Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.

3. 3

   Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add in the sausage meat with chili pepper flakes (if using) onions and garlic, stir with a wooden spoon breaking up the meat, cook until well browned (about 10-12 minutes) drain the fat, then add in about 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; mix to combine.

4. 4

   Spread the mixture into the baking dish.

5. 5

   In a bowl mix the soup with evaporated milk, then pour over the sausage mixture in the baking dish.

6. 6

   Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the soup.

7. 7

   Top with the potato nuggets evenly over the cheese.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the top of the nuggets lightly with seasoned salt and black pepper, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to taste.

9. 9

   Bake uncovered for about 50-60 minutes, or until lightly browned.