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A freshly baked Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie Casserole features golden brown crispy tots layered over a savory meat and vegetable filling in a ceramic baking dish.
Isabella

Best Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie Casserole

This comforting weeknight dinner combines a rich, savory ground beef and vegetable filling with a shatteringly crisp tater tot topping. It simplifies the classic shepherd's pie by replacing mashed potatoes with golden potato gems for a superior texture and kid-friendly appeal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Ground beef
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Frozen peas and carrots
  • 1.5 cups Beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet (or a 9x13 inch baking dish)
  • wooden spoon
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
  3. Drain the excess grease from the skillet, leaving about one tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  6. Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until the meat is well-coated.
  7. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow the liquid to thicken into a rich gravy.
  8. Fold in the frozen peas and carrots, then remove from heat.
  9. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  10. If using cheese, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar over the meat mixture.
  11. Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows over the top to ensure even cooking.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the gravy is bubbling and the tots are a deep golden brown.
  13. Optional: Turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes for an extra-crispy finish, watching closely to prevent burning.
  14. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the gravy to set.

Notes

For a traditional flavor, swap ground beef for ground lamb. To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Ensure the tater tots are in a single layer to avoid sogginess. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.