Cheap, Creepy, and Crazy Good | Halloween French Onion Tater Tot Bake

Before the kids fill up on candy this Halloween, fill them up with something real.
This French Onion Tater Tot Casserole is warm, cheesy, and hearty — the kind of comfort food that hits right before a cold trick-or-treat night.

It’s rich like diner food, cheap like broke gourmet magic, and it completely fills a 9×13 pan — no sad, flat casseroles here.

We’re talking caramelized onions, seasoned beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and layers of Swiss cheese under a golden crust of crispy tots.
It’s simple to make, perfect for feeding a family, and it looks good on camera too.

🧄 Ingredients (Full 9×13 Pan)
Beef & Onion Base

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
4 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt & black pepper to taste

Creamy Sauce
2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
¾ cup beef broth (add gradually — just enough to loosen)
1 12 oz bag frozen peas
1 tsp onion powder (optional)
1 lb Swiss cheese, shredded (about 4 cups — use generously)

Topping

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Optional: crispy fried onions or chopped parsley for garnish

🔥 Directions
Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium-low heat.
Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring now and then, for about 25–30 minutes until golden and sweet.

Cook the Beef
Add ground beef and garlic to the onions. Brown fully, drain excess grease.
Stir in Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.

Make It Creamy
Add both cans of soup, beef broth, and onion powder. Stir until thick and creamy.
Mix in about 2 cups of shredded Swiss until melted and smooth.

Assemble
Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
Sprinkle another cup of Swiss over top.
Arrange the tater tots in a tight, even layer.

Bake
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 35–40 minutes, until tots are golden and crisp.
In the last 5 minutes, top with remaining cheese if you want that gooey pull.

Finish Strong
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with crispy onions or parsley if you want presentation points.