Caramelized Onion Tater Tot Hotdish

Fall is upon us, and that means it’s time for hearty comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Enter the Tater Tot Hotdish, a savory masterpiece that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

This Caramelized Onion Tater Tot Hotdish pays homage to my Minnesotan roots, where hotdish is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition. In Minnesota, a hotdish is a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and weeknight dinners, known for its heartiness and ability to feed a crowd. While I’ve added a twist to the classic dish with caramelized onions and a rich béchamel sauce, it still holds true to its humble, comforting origins that Minnesotans know and love.

First, let's talk about the caramelized onions. This is not your average quick sauté—this is a slow, deliberate process that allows the onions to develop that deep, sweet flavor that balances the savory notes of ground beef and mushrooms. Caramelizing onions takes a bit of patience (about 20 minutes on low heat), but trust me, the end result is worth every minute. The natural sweetness from the onions contrasts beautifully with the earthy richness of the beef and mushrooms, creating layers of flavor in every bite.

Then there’s the creamy béchamel sauce—a silky, luscious concoction made with butter, flour, milk, and cream, enhanced with nutty Gruyère and salty Parmesan. The Gruyère adds a subtle sharpness while the Parmesan brings an umami punch. A touch of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce cuts through the richness, adding depth and a hint of tang that prevents the dish from feeling heavy. This sauce coats everything like a warm blanket of comfort, tying the meat and veggies together perfectly. 

Of course, we can’t forget the tater tots. Golden, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying, they form the perfect crunchy topping to the soft and creamy filling beneath. With the sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of freshness, this hotdish feels complete. Every forkful is a medley of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet—a harmony of flavors that make this dish irresistible.

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dinner

American

Yield: 6

Author: Erika Barnett

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Caramelized Onion Tater Tot Hotdish

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 1 H & 10 MTotal time: 1 H & 20 M

This Caramelized Onion Tater Tot Hotdish is a rich and comforting fall dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy béchamel sauce. Topped with crispy tater tots and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it's a hearty, nostalgic meal perfect for cozy nights.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized—about 15-20 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the caramelized onions and set aside.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, forming a roux.
5. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Gruyère cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the meat and vegetable mixture. Pour the creamy béchamel sauce evenly over the top, ensuring everything is well-coated. Neatly arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the sauce.
8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for extra crispiness and flavor.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve hot. Enjoy!

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