Description
Comfort meets creativity in this shepherd’s pie tater tot casserole, blending hearty ground beef and classic vegetables with crispy potato tot perfection. Home cooks will savor this crowd-pleasing twist on traditional shepherd’s pie, delivering satisfying warmth in every single bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (or 1 pound lamb)
- 1 cup beef broth
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the casserole.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté onions and garlic for 2 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate frozen vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme into the meat mixture, creating a rich and flavorful base.
- Dust flour over the skillet contents, stirring carefully to distribute evenly and help thicken the sauce.
- Pour beef broth into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce reaches a desirable consistency.
- Transfer the meat filling to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the meat mixture, creating a preliminary cheese layer.
- Arrange tater tots in a single, neat layer across the entire surface of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, watching for golden and crispy tater tots.
- Finish by topping with remaining cheese, a light dusting of garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese completely.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or lamb with 80/20 fat ratio for maximum flavor without excessive grease.
- Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies or customize with carrots, peas, and corn for personalized nutrition.
- Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or pepper jack to elevate the casserole’s taste profile and add exciting depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg