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Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole


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  • Author: Chef Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Description

Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole combines the savory flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie with the crispy crunch of tater tots. This hearty, family-friendly dish is easy to make and perfect for cozy dinners or potluck gatherings. The golden tater tots and melted cheese on top add a satisfying texture that everyone will love!


Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 cup diced yellow onions
  • 12 oz canned corn (with liquid)
  • ½ cup water
  • 0.87 oz beef gravy mix
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tbsp onion powder
  • ½ tbsp garlic powder

For the Mashed Potatoes:

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 2 tbsp margarine (or butter)
  • 4 oz instant mashed potato mix
  • ½ cup milk

For the Topping:

  • 28 oz frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

Instructions

  • Prepare the Beef Mixture:
    Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt a small amount of butter or margarine. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks (about 5-6 minutes). Stir in the diced onions and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the canned corn (with liquid), water, beef gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well and let simmer for a few minutes. Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.

  • Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
    In a saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water and 2 tablespoons of margarine to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the instant mashed potato mix and milk. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Spread the mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the baking dish.

  • Add the Tater Tots and Cheese:
    Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the mashed potatoes. Bake for 30 minutes at 425°F until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 4-6 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Notes

  • Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for some heat.
  • Extra Veggies: Add frozen peas, carrots, or green beans to the beef mixture for a heartier dish.
  • Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or gouda for a smokier flavor.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Comfort Food, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American