Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional Shepherd’s Pie. The dish starts with a hearty base of seasoned ground beef, onions, and corn, all cooked together to create a savory filling. This mixture is then layered with creamy mashed potatoes, adding a rich and comforting element to the dish. Finally, a generous layer of crispy tater tots is placed on top, creating a deliciously crunchy contrast to the smooth mashed potatoes. Baked to perfection and topped with a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is a winner.

Looking for a comforting and delicious dinner idea? This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect blend of savory meat, veggies, and crispy tater tots. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make this family favorite.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb lean ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a lighter option, or substitute with ground turkey for a different flavor.
• 1 cup diced yellow onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
• 12 oz canned corn (not drained): Provides texture and natural sweetness, while the liquid helps create a savory gravy.
• 1/2 cup water: Used to help mix the gravy and add moisture to the dish.
• 0.87 oz beef gravy mix: Gives the beef mixture a rich, savory flavor.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a mild heat to balance the flavors.
• 1/2 tbsp onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor in the beef mixture.
• 1/2 tbsp garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic depth to the dish.
• 1 1/2 cups water (for mashed potatoes): Used to prepare the instant mashed potatoes.
• 2 tbsp margarine (for mashed potatoes): Adds creaminess and richness to the mashed potatoes.
• 4 oz instant mashed potato mix: Makes the mashed potatoes quick and easy to prepare.
• 1/2 cup milk: Provides creaminess and helps to create smooth mashed potatoes.
• 28 oz frozen tater tots: The crispy topping that gives the dish its signature crunch.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: Melts over the tater tots, adding a cheesy, gooey layer to the dish.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. While the oven is heating up, place a large saute pan over medium-high heat and add a dab of margarine or butter. Add the lean ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.

Step 2:

Once the beef starts to brown, add the diced yellow onions to the pan. Stir the onions into the beef and continue cooking until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully cooked.

Step 3:

Next, pour the canned corn, including its liquid, into the pan with the beef and onions. Stir well to combine. Add the 1/2 cup of water, beef gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to the pan. Stir everything together until the beef is fully coated in the flavorful gravy.

Step 4:

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.

Step 5:

To prepare the mashed potatoes, bring 1 1/2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of margarine to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, remove the pan from heat and stir in the instant mashed potato mix and 1/2 cup of milk. Let the mixture sit for one minute, then stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 6:

Spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in the baking dish, creating an even layer.

Step 7:

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the mashed potatoes.

Step 8:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.

Step 9:

After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the tater tots. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown.

Step 10:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve this Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole hot, straight from the oven, with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• This casserole is also great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
• For a fun twist, try serving this casserole with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of gravy on top.

Helpful Notes

• You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
• For added flavor, consider mixing in some frozen peas or carrots along with the corn.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, use whole milk or even heavy cream in the mashed potatoes instead of the standard milk.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for the topping, like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for an extra depth of flavor.
• Chef Ina Garten recommends using homemade mashed potatoes for an even richer and more comforting dish.
• Chef Jamie Oliver loves adding a bit of smoked paprika to the cheese topping for a subtle smoky flavor.