Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that combines two beloved classics? This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. With the savory filling of traditional shepherd’s pie topped with crispy tater tots instead of mashed potatoes, this dish is a fun twist that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.

If you’re a fan of hearty meals with layers of flavor and texture, you’re going to love this tater tot casserole. It’s simple, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Veggies

1. Add Worcestershire Sauce and Tomato Paste: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, coating the beef mixture thoroughly.
2. Sprinkle in the Flour: Add the flour to the beef and stir well. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
3. Pour in the Beef Broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Beef Filling: Spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the beef filling.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake for 25-30 Minutes: Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Add Cheese

1. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
2. Bake Again: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with Parsley: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve: Scoop into portions and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few serving ideas:

With a Side Salad:

• A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.

With Roasted Veggies:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans would make a great side to this hearty dish.

With Dinner Rolls:

• Pair it with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up all the savory goodness.

Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

• Swap the Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add a Kick: For those who like a bit of spice, mix in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the beef mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
• Use Different Veggies: Customize the vegetable mix by adding green beans, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Make it Creamier: For a creamier filling, stir in a bit of sour cream or cream of mushroom soup before adding the beef broth.
• Try Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or monterey jack for a bit of a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
• One-Pot Meal: The entire meal comes together in one dish, which means fewer dishes to wash afterward.
• Comfort Food: With its savory filling and crispy tater tot topping, this casserole checks all the boxes for a comforting, satisfying meal.
• Easy to Customize: Whether you want to switch up the veggies, meat, or cheese, this recipe is flexible and forgiving.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole tastes just as good the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal prep.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• In the Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing:

• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole and cover tightly with foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Conclusion

This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole takes two favorite comfort foods and combines them into one incredible dish. With its savory beef filling, hearty veggies, crispy tater tots, and cheesy topping, it’s a meal that delivers on both flavor and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cozy dinner to enjoy on a chilly evening, this casserole is the perfect solution. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
   Absolutely. Just make sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the beef mixture.
3. What other cheese can I use?
   Feel free to substitute the cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or additional vegetables like lentils or mushrooms.
5. How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
   Make sure to bake them uncovered, and if they need extra crisping, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
   Yield: 6

   Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

   

   Print

   Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that combines two beloved classics? This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. With the savory filling of traditional shepherd’s pie topped with crispy tater tots instead of mashed potatoes, this dish is a fun twist that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.

   Prep Time 15 minutes

   Cook Time 35 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb
   • 1 small onion, diced
   • 2 garlic cloves, minced
   • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
   • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
   • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon salt
   • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/2 cup beef broth
   • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Preheat Oven:
      Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   2. Cook the Ground Beef:
      In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain off any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened (about 3-4 minutes).
   3. Add Seasonings and Vegetables:
      Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
   4. Make the Filling:
      Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
   5. Assemble the Casserole:
      Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
   6. Bake:
      Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
   7. Add More Cheese:
      Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   8. Serve:
      Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

   Notes

   Meat Options: You can use ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd's pie flavor or ground turkey for a lighter version.

   Vegetable Variations: You can swap the frozen mixed vegetables for fresh veggies like diced carrots, peas, and corn. Just sauté them with the onion to soften.

   Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend.

   Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.