One Skillet French Onion Tater Tot Casserole.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 ½ medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• 1 pound lean ground turkey, chicken, or beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped (or 16 ounces mixed frozen vegetables)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 2 pounds frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh chives, for topping (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Caramelize the onions: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Slowly add 1/2 cup of the white wine, 1/4 cup at a time, allowing it to cook into the onions. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized.

3. Prepare the meat mixture: Push the caramelized onions to the side of the skillet. Add the ground turkey (or other meat), chopped bell peppers (or mixed vegetables), minced garlic, thyme, parsley, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.

4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of white wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

5. Layer and bake: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the meat mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the tater tots are golden.

6. Add cheddar cheese and finish baking: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve: Garnish with fresh chives if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

This hearty tater tot casserole is perfect for a comforting meal, combining caramelized onions, savory meat, and crispy tater tots topped with gooey cheese.