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French Onion Beef Tater Tot Casserole

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large skillet Preferably cast iron or stainless steel. Used to brown the beef and caramelize the onions.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon For breaking up and stirring the meat and onion mixture.
  • Baking Dish (9x13 inch) This is the perfect size for layering the casserole. A ceramic or glass dish works well.
  • Mixing bowl (optional) For combining soup, sour cream, and seasonings, though this can be done in the skillet to save dishes.
  • Cheese Grater If shredding cheese from a block. Pre-shredded is fine, but block cheese melts better.
  • Oven Preheated to 375°F for best results.

Ingredients
  

For the beef and onion base

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef preferably 80/20 for more flavor
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup

For the toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan optional, for added depth

Instructions
 

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Start by heating the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until they become golden brown and deeply fragrant. This gives the dish its signature French onion flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Push the onions to one side and add the ground beef to the same skillet. Break it apart with your spatula and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease, but leave just a bit to keep everything flavorful.

Step 3: Season and Build the Sauce

  1. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the beef and onion mix. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and flour. Let it cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Then, add in the beef broth, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Transfer the beef mixture into your greased 9x13 baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and half the cheddar over the top. Then, arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and optional Parmesan on top of the tots.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes or until the tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbling. For extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Dish out generous scoops and enjoy every savory, cheesy bite.