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
