Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty casserole, and this Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole brings together the best of two classic dishes. Imagine the rich, savory filling of a traditional shepherd’s pie topped with the crispy, golden goodness of tater tots—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.

This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights, meal prep, or even family gatherings. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and topped with crispy tater tots that add a satisfying crunch. Whether you grew up eating shepherd’s pie or love a good tater tot casserole, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The best of two worlds – It combines the classic, hearty filling of shepherd’s pie with the crispy, golden crunch of tater tots.
• Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters love tater tots! This is a great way to sneak in veggies while keeping things fun.
• Easy to make – With simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
• Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare the filling in advance and assemble it when you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Topping:

• 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and carrots, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the ground lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease if necessary. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and rosemary. These ingredients bring out a deep, rich flavor that mimics traditional shepherd’s pie.

Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. This will help thicken the filling. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Add in the frozen peas and corn, stirring until they are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the skillet from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the prepared filling evenly in the dish.

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the filling, making sure to cover the entire surface. This ensures that every bite has that delicious crispy topping. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots, followed by a light dusting of paprika for a bit of extra color and flavor.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. If you want extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic dish!

Helpful Tips

• Brown the meat well – Let the ground lamb develop a nice sear before adding the other ingredients. This adds a deeper flavor to the filling.
• Make it ahead – The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the tater tots and cheese before baking.
• Customize the veggies – Swap out peas and corn for green beans, mushrooms, or even bell peppers based on your preference.
• Extra crispy tater tots – For an ultra-crispy topping, bake the tater tots for 10 minutes on a separate baking sheet before adding them to the casserole.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Comfort Food
• Diet: Halal-Friendly

Notes

• If you don’t have ground lamb, ground beef or ground turkey can be used as a substitute.
• Feel free to use your favorite cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend all work well.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a great meal for lunch the next day.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh veggies, simply dice them small and sauté them a little longer to ensure they are tender before adding them to the filling.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The casserole will still be delicious with the crispy tater tot topping.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy comfort food dishes:

• Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole: A Breakfast Favorite
• Beef Lombardi Casserole
• Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Casserole
• Creamy Chicken and Spinach Casserole

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best parts of two classic dishes into one satisfying meal. The rich, flavorful filling paired with crispy, golden tater tots makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for an easy and delicious dish to share, this recipe is sure to impress.

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