Description
Shepherds Pie Tater Tot Casserole combines classic comfort with playful potato crunch. Hearty ground beef, rich gravy, and crispy tater tots create a satisfying meal that families will devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (about 1 lb or 450g) frozen tater tots
- 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preparation: Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, thoroughly brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles. Drain excess fat, then reintroduce to the pan.
- Flavor Development: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic with the beef until onions become translucent. Fold in frozen peas and carrots, creating a vibrant vegetable medley.
- Sauce Creation: Infuse the mixture with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Dust with flour, stirring continuously to develop a rich, silky sauce that thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Layering: Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, forming a robust base. Meticulously arrange frozen tater tots in an overlapping pattern to completely blanket the meat.
- Baking: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
- Cheese Finale: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tater tot surface. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbling, bronzed topping.
- Resting: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and layers to set before serving.
Notes
- Manage Meat Moisture: Drain excess fat thoroughly after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
- Layer Tater Tots Strategically: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single, slightly overlapping layer to guarantee maximum crispiness and even coverage across the entire dish.
- Control Seasoning Intensity: Start with smaller amounts of salt and Worcestershire sauce, tasting and adjusting gradually to prevent over-seasoning and maintain a balanced flavor.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Watch the cheese closely during the final 5-minute baking stage to achieve a perfectly melted, slightly golden top without burning or overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg