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shepherds pie tater tot casserole recipe
Ben Carraoli

Shepherds Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

I made this Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole on a cozy Sunday night, and it was pure comfort in a dish. The crispy tater tots on top and the rich beef and veggie mix underneath made every bite satisfying. My family loved how easy it was, and the leftovers? Even better the next day! It's now my go-to twist on the classic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb – Beef is traditional but lamb adds a rich flavor true to the original shepherd’s pie.
  • 1 small onion chopped – Use fresh for the best taste; avoid pre-chopped as it can turn bitter.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced – Fresh garlic gives the dish a savory base that’s hard to beat.
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup – Adds creaminess and depth; low-sodium versions are a great choice.
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables – Use peas carrots, and corn; no need to thaw.
  • 1/2 cup beef broth – Helps thin the sauce; opt for homemade or low-sodium store-bought.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds bold umami flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme – Brings a classic herbal note to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Season to your preference; always taste before adding too much.
  • 3 cups frozen tater tots – Keep frozen for a crispy finish.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Grate it fresh for the best melt and taste.
  • Fresh parsley optional – Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Method
 

  1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with oil or spray to prevent sticking. This gives your tater tots the perfect golden crust.
  2. Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef or lamb. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner dish.
  3. Add the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, frozen vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. This gives the filling time to thicken and soak up flavor.
  4. Spoon the meat and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Keep them spaced out a little so they crisp up nicely.
  5. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The tots should turn golden brown and crispy on top. This is where the magic starts to happen.
  6. Once the tots are crisp, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
  7. Take it out, let it cool for 5 minutes, and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if you like. It adds a fresh finish and brightens up the dish.