French Onion Tater Tot casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the savory flavors of classic French onion soup with hearty ground beef and a delightful tater tot topping. This rich and comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings, offering a warm embrace in every bite. If you’re looking for a way to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe will surely become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Tater Tot
This French Onion Tater Tot casserole is not just filling but also bursting with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Combines the essence of French onion soup with a twist.
- Easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and satisfying, ideal for the whole family.
- Can be customized with various toppings and add-ins.
- Great for leftovers or meal prep.
- Vegetarian options available with substitutions.
- Perfect for serving at gatherings as a crowd-pleaser.
- Can be made as crispy or cheesy tater tots depending on your preference.
Ingredients for French Onion Tater Tot
Gather these items:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup dry white wine (divided)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 16 oz mixed frozen veggies (thawed)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 pounds frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh chives (for topping, optional)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make French Onion Tater Tot Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter and olive oil with onions. Cook about 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add half of the white wine a little at a time and cook for 8–10 minutes until onions are caramelized.
- Step 4: Push onions to one side of the skillet and add ground beef, veggies, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.
- Step 5: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese. Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
- Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes until tater tots are golden. Remove and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Return to oven and bake 10–15 more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Step 8: Top with fresh chives if desired and serve hot.
Pro Tips for the Perfect French Onion Tater Tot
Keep these in mind:
- For extra flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique taste.
- Ensure your tater tots are evenly spread for even crispiness.
Best Ways to Serve French Onion Tater Tot
Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience:
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a creamy French onion tater tot dip for extra indulgence.
- Top with crispy bacon for an added crunch.
How to Store and Reheat French Onion Tater Tot
To store, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Tater Tot
What’s the secret to perfect French Onion Tater Tot?
The secret lies in caramelizing the onions properly to bring out their sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Ensure to cook them on low heat for the best results.
Can I make French Onion Tater Tot ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving for a fresh and delicious meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with French Onion Tater Tot?
To avoid soggy tater tots, ensure they are frozen and evenly spread on top of the casserole. This helps them crisp up perfectly during baking.
Variations of French Onion Tater Tot You Can Try
Explore these delicious variations:
- Use vegetarian ground meat for a meatless option.
- Add French onion soup mix for a flavor boost.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Baked Lemon Rosemary Chicken or try our Creamy Tuscan Scallops. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t miss our Grandma Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies and Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies. For a hearty meal, our Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a must-try!
For more information on the benefits of onions, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Delicious French Onion Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This rich and comforting casserole combines all the savory flavors of French onion soup with hearty ground beef, caramelized onions, mixed vegetables, and a cheesy tater tot topping. Perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup dry white wine (divided)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 16 oz mixed frozen veggies (thawed)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 2 pounds frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh chives (for topping, optional)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter and olive oil with onions. Cook about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add half of the white wine a little at a time and cook for 8–10 minutes until onions are caramelized.
- Push onions to one side of the skillet and add ground beef, veggies, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Gruyere cheese. Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
- Bake for 20 minutes until tater tots are golden. Remove and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Return to oven and bake 10–15 more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Top with fresh chives if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg