Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

Looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner recipe that your whole family will love? This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Packed with hearty ground beef, veggies, and topped with crispy tater tots, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) mixed vegetables, drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 lb frozen tater tots

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
• Stir in mixed vegetables and cream of mushroom soup. Cook until heated through.
• Pour mixture into a casserole dish.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese and arrange tater tots on top.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

Popular questions:

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a lighter option.

• Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Feel free to use fresh vegetables in place of canned ones for a fresher taste.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.

• How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can omit the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or tofu as a meat substitute.

Helpful tips:

• For added flavor, season the ground beef with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Add a layer of mashed potatoes before topping with tater tots for a more traditional shepherd’s pie twist.
• Feel free to add in extra vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition.

Expert Secrets:

• Make sure to evenly distribute the tater tots on top to ensure they all get crispy during baking.
• Cover the casserole dish with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the tater tots from browning too quickly.