1-First Step: Preheat oven to 375°F. While the oven warms up, lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch, 2-inch-deep baking dish with cooking spray.

2-Second Step: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat and drain excess fat. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or ground chicken can substitute for ground beef, using the same browning process.

3-Third Step: Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. If your diet favors less onion, you can reduce the amount, but flavor will be a little milder.

4-Fourth Step: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute while stirring. This step keeps the garlic from turning bitter.

5-Fifth Step: Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper. For dietary preferences, you can also go lighter on salt if you are using low-sodium soup.

6-Sixth Step: Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly so every bite gets the same base flavor.

7-Seventh Step: Layer with cream of mushroom soup, then green beans (season these as well), followed by cheddar cheese. If you want a veggie change, corn or mixed vegetables work too, just drain well to avoid a watery casserole.

8-Eighth Step: Top with frozen tater tots. Keep them frozen, right out of the bag, for best crispiness.

9-Ninth Step: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted. If you are using a deeper dish, you may need the closer end of the time range.

10-Final Step: Season the tater tots after baking for added flavor, then serve immediately. Letting it sit 5 to 10 minutes helps it set up so it slices nicely.