I cooked half the onions with the meat. I dont suggest using salt to season your meat.....the tator tots had plenty of salt for me. this was a pretty good dish. Perfect for when all the little neices and nephews show up and you need a crowd pleaser. I will make this again. highly recommended for a mother just trying to find something that maybe, just maybe, every will eat. :) I can see myself making this once or twice a month.