Description
Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole combines the savory flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie with the crispy texture of tater tots, creating a comforting and family-friendly dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Topping:
- 4 cups (about 1 pound or 450g) frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, approximately 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other frozen vegetables such as corn, green beans, or mixed vegetables to suit your preference.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the tater tots’ crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the ground beef mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, assemble the casserole with tater tots and bake as directed.