Description
Shepherd’s Pie Tot Casserole delivers pure comfort straight from your kitchen, blending hearty ground beef and crispy tater tots into one delightful dinner. Warm, cheesy, and packed with classic flavors, this casserole turns your weeknight meal into a satisfying feast your family will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 12 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 12 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Grab a large skillet and heat it to medium-high. Brown 1 pound ground beef, breaking it into small pieces. Drain any excess fat completely.
- Add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
- Season the meat with 1 teaspoon each of Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt, plus ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons tomato paste until the meat is evenly coated. Pour 1 ½ cups beef broth and sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour to help thicken the sauce.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and concentrate its flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Fold in 1 cup each of frozen peas, corn, and diced carrots. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to warm the vegetables.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange a single layer of 32 oz frozen tater tots across the entire surface of the meat mixture.
- Brush the tots with 2 tablespoons melted butter and dust with 1 teaspoon garlic powder for extra crispness.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the tots turn golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the tots and return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for fresh color.
Notes
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure crispy tater tots.
- Use fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the savory meat filling’s depth of flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Frozen vegetables work perfectly and save time, but fresh diced vegetables can add more texture and nutrition to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 502 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg