Description
Shepherds Pie Tater Tot Casserole brings together comfort and convenience in one hearty dish that makes dinner time a breeze. Packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and crispy tater tots, this crowd-pleasing meal will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup (120ml) beef broth
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack sits in the middle position for even heating.
- Grab a large skillet and brown 1 lb (450g) ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain away any excess fat completely.
- Toss 1 diced small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves into the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they release their aromatic magic.
- Pour 2 cups (300g) frozen mixed vegetables into the meat mixture, stirring in 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup (120ml) beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and vegetables to warm through slightly.
- Spread the hearty beef mixture evenly across a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a solid foundation for your casserole.
- Carefully arrange 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots in a single, neat layer completely covering the beef mixture.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until tater tots transform into crispy, golden-brown perfection.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese across the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts beautifully.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Lean ground beef works best, but turkey creates a lighter version for those watching calories.
- Drain meat thoroughly to prevent a soggy casserole bottom and ensure crispy tater tots.
- Thaw frozen vegetables beforehand or they’ll release extra moisture and make the dish watery.
- For a gluten-free option, replace cream of mushroom soup with a homemade sauce using cornstarch and broth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg