Instructions:

Step 1

First, preheat the oven to 400°F, then place the ground beef into a generously sized sauté pan, set over medium-high heat, and add a small amount of margarine or butter.

Step 2

As you cook, crumble the ground beef thoroughly, and once the ground beef is completely cooked, remove the sauté pan from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease.

Step 3

Then, add your Thousand Island dressing, diced onion, mayo, garlic powder, diced dill pickle, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pan with the beef. Stir till all the components are absolutely combined.

Step 4

After that, transfer the cooked ground beef mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, ensuring it is spread out evenly across the dish.

Step 5

Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ground beef, ensuring an even distribution. Then, place the tater tots on top of the cheese in a single layer.

Step 6

Put the prepared baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole until the tater tots turn golden brown, typically taking about 40 to 45 minutes.

Step 7

Finally, take the casserole out of the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded lettuce on top. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the lettuce, ensuring it is distributed evenly.
Serve and enjoy!!