Shepherd's Pie Tater Tot Casserole
A comforting blend of shepherd's pie flavors with crispy tater tots, this casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, corn, and carrots)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz or 900 g)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Introduce the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, cooking until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste and flour, cooking together for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Toss in the frozen vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
Assembly
- Spread the beef filling evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the tater tots over the filling in a single layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and tater tots are golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Try different cheeses for a unique twist. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven for crispy tots or the microwave for a quicker option.