Description
Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful fusion of two comfort food classics: traditional shepherd’s pie and crispy tater tots. This hearty casserole features seasoned ground beef mixed with corn, topped with creamy mashed potatoes, a layer of golden tater tots, and melted cheese. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners and sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
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For the Filling:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 12 oz canned corn, undrained
- 1/2 cup water
- 0.87 oz beef gravy mix
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
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For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp margarine
- 4 oz instant mashed potato mix
- 1/2 cup milk
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For the Topping:
- 28 oz frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C).
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, melt a dab of margarine or butter. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
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Add Corn and Seasonings: Stir in the canned corn (with its liquid), water, beef gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
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Prepare Mashed Potatoes: In a medium saucepan, bring 1½ cups of water and 2 tablespoons of margarine to a boil. Remove from heat and add the instant mashed potato mix and ½ cup of milk. Stir until smooth and let it sit for 1 minute.
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Layer Mashed Potatoes: Spread the prepared mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
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Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mashed potatoes.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
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Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the tater tots.
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Melt the Cheese: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown.
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Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
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Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
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Cheese Options: While a mozzarella and cheddar blend is suggested, you can use any cheese combination you prefer, such as Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6th of the casserole
- Calories: 735kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 994.6mg
- Fat: 53.7g
- Saturated Fat: 22.4g
- Carbohydrates: 32.8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25.4g
- Cholesterol: 126.7mg