Easy Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, this easy Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole recipe will not disappoint. Packed with flavorful ground beef, a medley of vegetables, and topped with crispy tater tots, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering. With just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up this hearty meal in no time.

I first discovered this delightful combination when trying to recreate my grandmother’s classic Shepherd’s Pie in a way that would appeal to my picky kids. Their love for anything with tater tots inspired this twist, blending tradition with convenience. As my kids savored each bite, the dish quickly became a family favorite, requested time and again for Sunday suppers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick to make, using only one pan to cook the meat and vegetables, reducing cleanup time. The crispy tater tot topping is a fun twist, loved by kids and adults alike. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly versatile, and easy to tweak to suit different palates or dietary restrictions. Perfect for meal prepping, you can double the recipe and store some in the freezer for busy days.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe uses ground beef, but turkey or a plant-based meat substitute works well too. For the vegetable mix, feel free to use what you have on hand – green beans, corn, or peas are all great additions. Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content, and if you’re in a pinch, canned diced tomatoes can substitute fresh ones.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Step 2

Add diced onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in your choice of vegetables, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 3

Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Mix in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the tater tots on top in a single layer, fully covering the meat and vegetables.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and use within 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, covering with foil to prevent drying.

Variations & Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or crumbled tofu. Add some shredded cheese between the meat and tater tots for extra gooeyness. Swap the traditional tater tots for sweet potato tots for a twist on the classic flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect for family dinners or potluck parties. Serve it with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Pair with a glass of red wine or apple cider, enhancing the comfort factor during chilly evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from a chilled state.

What can I use instead of beef broth? Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. If neither is available, dissolve a beef bouillon cube in hot water as a quick replacement.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? No worries! Cook the meat and vegetable mixture in a regular skillet, then transfer it to an oven-safe baking dish before adding the tater tots and baking.

Easy Shepherd's Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

This Easy Shepherd's Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic, featuring ground beef, vegetables, and delectable tater tots for a family-friendly dinner.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound ground beef lean
• ▢ 1 cup onion chopped
• ▢ 1 cup carrots diced
• ▢ 1 cup frozen peas
• ▢ 1 cup corn frozen or canned
• ▢ 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ▢ 1 cup beef broth low sodium preferred
• ▢ 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt to taste
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• ▢ 1 bag tater tots frozen, 32 oz
• ▢ 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add chopped onion and carrots to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add peas and corn, heating them through.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with frozen tater tots.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For a creamier texture, you can add a layer of cream of mushroom soup before adding the tater tots.