Shepherd’s Pie is one of those classic comfort foods, right?

But sometimes, you want that comforting goodness with a little twist. That’s where this recipe comes in. We’re taking the traditional, hearty meat and vegetable base and topping it with crispy, golden tater tots.

It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, and it is sure to be a family favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and, honestly, just plain fun.

Recipe Overview: Shepherd’s Pie with Tater Tots

This dish is essentially a deconstructed casserole.

We’re talking about a savory, flavorful layer of ground meat and vegetables simmered in a rich gravy. Instead of the usual mashed potato topping, we are going with tater tots.

Think crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. The perfect contrast to the hearty filling.

This is a great meal to serve family-style, straight from the casserole dish.

You could pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed green beans to round out the meal. It’s also one of those meals that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tater Tots Shepherd’s Pie

Here’s what you will need to gather.

Ground Beef: I usually use lean ground beef (around 85% lean), but you can use whatever you prefer. Ground lamb is traditional in shepherd’s pie. You could also try ground turkey or a plant-based ground for a lighter version.
Onion: One medium yellow onion, diced.
Carrots: About two medium carrots, peeled and diced.
Celery: Two stalks of celery, diced. This, along with the onion and carrots, forms the classic “mirepoix” base for many savory dishes.
Garlic: A few cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
Beef Broth: This forms the base of our gravy. I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Tomato Paste: This thickens the gravy and adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Dried Thyme: Adds that classic herby flavor. You could also use dried rosemary or a combination of the two.
Frozen Tater Tots: One 32-ounce bag. Any brand will work!
Salt and Black Pepper To taste.
Olive Oil: For sauteing.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Best Shepherd’s Pie

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious dish:

Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get out a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
Create the Gravy: Pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the meat and vegetable mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture. It’s okay if they overlap a little.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling. Keep a close eye to make sure it is cook properly.
Cool and Serve: Let the shepherd’s pie cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set up a bit.

Variations & Tips for the Perfect Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie

Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as peas, corn, green beans, or mushrooms.
Cheese Please!: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking for extra cheesy goodness.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a little heat.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the shepherd’s pie (without the tater tots) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the tater tots just before baking.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating in the oven, you may want to cover it with foil to prevent the tater tots from over-browning.
Serving Suggestion: Try serving with a dollop of sour cream or a side of ketchup.

Key Details

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Equipment you will need: 9×13 Inch Casserole Dish, large skillet or Dutch oven.

Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots

A comforting twist on classic shepherd's pie, featuring a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with crispy tater tots instead of mashed potatoes. Perfect for a family weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion diced
2 medium carrots peeled and diced
2 stalks celery diced
4 cloves garlic minced
32 oz beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
32 oz frozen tater tots
Salt and black pepper to taste
Olive oil for sauteing

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, drain excess grease.
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in beef broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until sauce thickens slightly.
Transfer meat mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the meat mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy and filling is bubbling.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.