Name: Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Meat Filling: 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh); 1 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free); 3 cups frozen tater tots; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor); 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Description

This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the rich, savory flavors of classic shepherd’s pie with a crispy tater tot topping. It’s easy, cheesy, and family-friendly! A perfect meal for busy nights or cozy weekends

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
For the Casserole:
1. 3 cups frozen tater tots
2. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3. ½ tsp garlic powder
4. ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
5. 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Meat Filling
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in onions and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
Add frozen vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring to coat.
Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the meat mixture evenly in a 9×13 baking dish.
Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheese over the filling.
Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until tater tots are golden and crispy.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on top.
Bake for another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Notes

You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this casserole.
For a gluten-free option, replace flour with cornstarch and make sure to use gluten-free tater tots.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 50mg