Of course! The Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate fusion of comfort food classics. It takes all the savory, hearty flavors of a traditional shepherd’s pie and tops it with crispy, golden tater tots instead of mashed potatoes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.
Here is a delicious and straightforward recipe.
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The Spirit of the Dish
This is a fun, modern, and incredibly easy twist on a beloved dish. It’s less formal than shaping mashed potatoes and delivers a fantastic contrast of textures: the rich, savory meat filling and the crispy, salty potato topping. It’s the definition of hearty, satisfying comfort food.
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Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole
This recipe makes a 9×13 inch casserole, serving 6-8 people.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
· 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground lamb (for a true “shepherd’s” pie, use lamb)
· 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
· 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (classic mix: peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
· 2 tablespoons tomato paste
· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
· 1 cup beef broth
· 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme
· 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for depth)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
· 1 (32 oz) bag frozen Tater Tots
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Colby Jack blend)
Optional Garnish:
· Fresh chopped parsley
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Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground meat and onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Build the Filling: Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
· Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
· Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer.
· Add the frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Assemble: Pour the hot meat filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
5. Add the Topping: Arrange the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer on top of the meat mixture. You can do this in neat rows or just scatter them—both work!
6. Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
7. Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the Tater Tots. Return to the oven for 3-5 more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Tips for the Best Casserole:
· Don’t Thaw the Tots: Use the Tater Tots straight from the freezer. If they thaw, they can become soggy.
· Customize the Filling: This is a great “clean out the fridge” dish. Add sautéed mushrooms, a dash of soy sauce for umami, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
· Crispy Tots: For extra crispy tots, you can spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before baking.
· Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat filling up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. When ready to bake, pour the cold filling into the dish, top with frozen Tater Tots, and bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
· Freezer Meal: Assemble the entire casserole (without baking), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
· The Great Beef vs. Lamb Debate: Purists will say “Shepherd’s Pie” must be made with lamb (as a shepherd tends sheep). “Cottage Pie” is the term for the beef version. This recipe works beautifully with either!
Enjoy this incredibly fun, delicious, and satisfying twist on a classic!