Description
This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef and corn with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, it offers a delicious twist on classic shepherd’s pie using convenience ingredients for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 12 oz canned corn (with liquid)
- ½ cup water
- 0.87 oz beef gravy mix
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
Mashed Potatoes
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 tbsp margarine (or butter)
- 4 oz instant mashed potato mix
- ½ cup milk
Toppings
- 28 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large pan over medium-high heat, melt a small amount of butter or margarine. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 5-6 minutes until browned. Stir in the diced onions and cook until softened for 3-4 minutes. Add the canned corn (including the liquid), ½ cup water, beef gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors and thicken slightly. Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: In a saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups water and 2 tablespoons margarine to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the instant mashed potato mix along with the milk. Let the mixture sit for about a minute, then stir thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish, creating a solid layer.
- Add the Tater Tots and Cheese: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mashed potatoes. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes at 425°F until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend evenly over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 4-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Frozen tater tots do not need to be thawed before baking; they crisp best when added frozen.
- For a richer mashed potato layer, substitute the water with chicken broth or use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Customize the cheese blend to your preference by using all cheddar, all mozzarella, or adding a bit of parmesan.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving; refrigerate uncovered for best results.
