Description
This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef and mixed vegetables with crispy, golden tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family meal, it offers the classic flavors of shepherd’s pie with a fun and crispy tater tot twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetable Filling
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (can use low or no sodium if necessary)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 pound bag frozen tater tots (do not thaw)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnishing, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook while stirring for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble it with a spatula until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Add Tomato Paste and Flour: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to incorporate the flour evenly.
- Add Beef Broth and Vegetables: Gradually pour in 2 cups of beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are cooked through and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, do not thaw the tater tots before baking; this helps them get crispy.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Feel free to use any frozen mixed vegetables of your choice.
- For a lower sodium version, use low or no sodium beef broth and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
