Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic
A comforting casserole with savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crispy tater tot topping. Perfect for beginner cooks, this recipe is easy, hearty, and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking, Stovetop, Layering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 12 oz canned corn (not drained)
- ½ cup water
- 0.87 oz beef gravy mix
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 tbsp margarine (or butter)
- 4 oz instant mashed potato mix
- ½ cup milk
- 28 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Preheating ensures even cooking. Use an oven.
- Cook Beef and Onions: 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. Once the beef starts browning, add the diced onions. Stir and continue cooking until the onions are soft and the beef is fully cooked. Cook the beef until no pink remains. Use a large sauté pan. Use a stove top. Use a spoon.
- Add Corn and Seasonings: 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. The liquid from the corn and water helps create a saucy mixture. Use a large sauté pan. Use a spoon.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. A greased dish prevents sticking. Use a 9×13 baking dish. Use a spoon.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: 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. Follow package directions for best results. Use a saucepan. Use a stove top. Use a whisk.
- Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Ensure the potatoes cover the beef completely. Use a 9×13 baking dish. Use a spoon.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the mashed potatoes. A single layer ensures even crisping. Use a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Check for crispiness and adjust time if needed. Use an oven. Use a timer.
- Add Cheese: 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. Watch closely to prevent burning. Use an oven.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! Resting allows the casserole to set. Use a serving plate.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef.
- Follow potato mix directions.
- Single layer of tater tots.
- Watch cheese while melting.