Shepherd's Pie Tater Tot Casserole combines the comforting flavors of traditional shepherd's pie with the crispy goodness of tater tots. This hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying blend of ground beef, flavorful vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and a cheesy tater tot topping that will have your family coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups creamy mashed potatoes
3 cups frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Mix in 2 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 cup of beef broth, and 1 tsp of Worcestershire sauce. Season with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes over the beef mixture, smoothing it out.
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the mashed potatoes in a single layer and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
