Description
Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. It combines the hearty flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. So, let’s dive into what makes this casserole so special!
Ingredients
FOR THE BEEF MIXTURE:
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- 1 lb lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey)
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
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- 12 oz canned corn (not drained)
- ½ cup water
- 0.87 oz beef gravy mix
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- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
FOR THE MASHED POTATOES:
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- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 tbsp margarine (or butter)
- 4 oz instant mashed potato mix
- ½ cup milk
FOR THE TOPPING:
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- 28 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add a dab of margarine or butter. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2️⃣ Once the beef starts browning, add the diced onions. Stir and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is fully cooked.
3️⃣ Pour the canned corn (with liquid) into the pan. Stir well. Add ½ cup water, beef gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
4️⃣ Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5️⃣ In a saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups water and 2 tbsp margarine to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the instant mashed potato mix and ½ cup milk. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until creamy.
6️⃣ Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
7️⃣ Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the mashed potatoes.
8️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
9️⃣ Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
🔟 Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Customizable: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Extra Veggies: Add peas, carrots, or green beans for more nutrition.
Make Ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Cheese Options: Try using Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for extra flavor.