Delicious Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

This delicious Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine fluffy potatoes mingling with seasoned ground meat and vibrant veggies, all topped with golden, crispy tater tots that practically beg you to dive in. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your loved ones lining up at the table faster than you can say “dinner’s ready.”

I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids’ eyes widened like saucers as they caught a whiff of the bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven. It has since become our go-to for cozy family nights and potlucks, bringing smiles and satisfied bellies every time. Now let’s get cooking and make some magic happen.

This dish always earns rave reviews from my family; they can’t get enough of it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for a hearty filling without excess grease.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A quick way to add color and nutrients; feel free to use what you have.
• Onion: A finely chopped onion adds flavor; choose a sweet variety for extra sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the aroma—don’t skimp on this fragrant powerhouse.
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while adding depth.
• Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots provide that perfect crispy topping—who doesn’t love them?
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar is ideal for melting into gooey goodness on top.
• Mashed Potatoes: You can use store-bought or homemade; creaminess is the goal here.
• Sour Cream: Adding a dollop gives richness and tang to balance the flavors.
• Pepper and Salt: Don’t forget these essentials for seasoning; they elevate your dish significantly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your trusty baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks during baking.

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner filling.

Add Veggies and Flavorings: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir them in until onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma.

Mingle with Broth and Seasoning: Pour in beef broth along with salt and pepper according to taste. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables until everything combines beautifully.

Layer it Up: In your prepared baking dish, start layering by spreading the meat mixture at the bottom followed by creamy mashed potatoes spread evenly on top.

Add Tater Tots & Cheese Delightfully: Arrange frozen tater tots in neat rows atop the mashed potatoes—feel free to get creative. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over everything.

Now that you’ve crafted this masterpiece, pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until those glorious tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few moments before serving. This will give everyone ample time to admire its beauty before diving in—trust me; they’ll be waiting eagerly.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Get the timing just right by browning the meat first, then layering the veggies and cooking through before adding those glorious tater tots on top. This sequence ensures flavors meld beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the veggies. Try adding corn or peas for extra color and sweetness. You can also play with spices—don’t shy away from a little chili powder or garlic for added depth.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, allowing the tots to regain their crispiness.

After making this Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole for my family, they declared it a winner. It became our go-to comfort dish for cozy movie nights and celebrations alike.

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables in the casserole?

Absolutely. Frozen vegetables save time and add great nutrients without compromising flavor.

How do I prevent soggy tater tots?

Make sure to bake them until golden brown at 425°F for maximum crispiness before serving.

What type of meat works best for this recipe?

Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or chicken can lighten things up nicely.

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Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

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• Author: Lena
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, vibrant veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with crispy tater tots—a family favorite that’s easy to prepare!

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 3 cups tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in beef broth and season with salt and pepper; add frozen mixed vegetables.
5. Layer the meat mixture in the baking dish, followed by a smooth layer of mashed potatoes.
6. Arrange tater tots on top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (262g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 770mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg