Tater Tot Casserole

INGREDIENTS

( 10-ounce ) can cream of mushroom or chicken soup

1 cup

milk

1/2 tbsp

cooking oil

1/2 cup

chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion

1/4 cup

chopped green bell pepper

1 lb

ground beef

1 tsp

minced garlic

1/2 lb

smoked sausage , chopped, optional

1 tbsp

fresh basil

1/2 tsp

dried thyme

1/4

to 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper ,

1/2 cup

shredded cheddar cheese , divided

1 lb

package of frozen tater tots