If you’re looking for a cozy and hearty meal, Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a fantastic choice. This dish combines ground beef, vegetables, and creamy soup, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s not only easy to make but also a hit with the whole family!
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It uses simple ingredients you may already have at home. Plus, it’s a fun twist on classic shepherd’s pie, making dinner exciting and enjoyable!
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
Making this casserole is quick and easy. Follow the steps below to create this delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through.
- Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
Serve this casserole hot right out of the oven. It’s great on its own or with a side salad for some freshness. You can also pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors!
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
- For added flavor, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Feel free to mix in other frozen vegetables like corn or green beans.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding more cheese on top of the tater tots before baking.
Variation
You can transform this recipe into a vegetarian version by using lentils or meat substitutes. Just replace the ground beef with your choice of vegetarian protein and follow the rest of the directions as they are.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! You can use fresh vegetables, but be sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the mixture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just remember to add some extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is it suitable for freezing?
Yes! You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole with your loved ones!
Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots Other frozen vegetables can be used as well.
Sauce
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to add more for extra cheesiness.
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots, cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through.
- Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
Baking
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
