• 2 tablespoons salted butter
  
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 2–3 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  
• 1 cup broth + 1 tablespoon  lemon juice
• 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 parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground 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 Gruyère cheese
  
• 2 pounds frozen tater tots
  
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• Fresh chives, for topping (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Caramelize the onions:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened — about 5 minutes.
   Gradually pour ½ cup broth + ½ tablespoon lemon juice, adding it in two portions (¼ cup at a time), allowing it to cook down into the onions before adding more. Continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, until the onions are deeply caramelized.
3. Cook the filling:
   Push the onions to one side of the pan. Add the ground meat, bell peppers, garlic, thyme, parsley, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns.
   Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in the remaining  ½ cup broth + ½ tablespoon lemon juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Assemble the casserole:
   Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the Gruyère cheese evenly over the meat mixture. Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top.
5. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown.
   Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh thyme and chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition