Creating Tater Tot Casserole can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
3. Mix Ingredients: In the same skillet, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until combined.
4. Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, allowing it to melt slightly.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it evenly.
6. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Add Remaining Cheese: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven until melted.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top before serving for added flavor and color.

These straightforward steps will lead you to creating an amazing Tater Tot Casserole that everyone will enjoy!