Savory Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe – Crispy, Creamy, and Easy to Make

Are you ready for the ultimate comfort food combination? This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole takes two classic dishes and merges them into one unforgettable meal. Imagine tender beef, flavorful veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crispy layer of tater tots, all baked together into a cheesy, golden masterpiece. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you're craving something hearty and satisfying.

Photo byRecipes By Lisa

I came across this amazing recipe on Recipes by Lisa, and I couldn’t resist sharing it with you. It’s become an instant hit in my household, and I’m sure it’ll be the same for you!

This recipe gives a fun twist to the traditional Shepherd’s Pie, replacing the usual mashed potato topping with crispy tater tots. Not only does it add great texture, but it also makes it a lot more kid-friendly. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and customize with different vegetables or even a vegetarian version!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers or freshly made)
• 3 cups frozen tater tots
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the onions are softened and the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture. If you’ve cooked everything in a skillet, you can transfer it to your greased casserole dish at this point, or layer it right in the skillet if it’s oven-safe.
5. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the mashed potatoes. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy finish.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving, then dig in! Enjoy the creamy, crispy, and cheesy perfection of this dish with your family.

Cooking Tips & Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian twist.
• Mix Up the Veggies: If you don’t have peas and carrots on hand, feel free to substitute with corn, green beans, or any other favorite vegetables.
• Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed potato chips or panko bread crumbs on top before baking.

This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also great for meal prep since it reheats beautifully for leftovers!

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