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Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try dish!

  • Author: Paul
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Description

This hearty, layered Tater Tot Casserole is a savory, satisfying hug in every bite — with a rich ground beef and corn base, a creamy layer of mashed potatoes, and a crispy, cheesy tater tot topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings together crunchy, creamy, and cozy all in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Layer:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 cup diced yellow onions

  • 12 oz canned corn, with liquid

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 0.87 oz packet beef gravy mix

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder

  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

For the Mashed Potato Layer:

  • 1 1/2 cups water

  • 2 tablespoons margarine or butter

  • 4 oz instant mashed potato mix

  • 1/2 cup milk

For the Topping:

  • 28 oz frozen tater tots

  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar + mozzarella recommended)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add diced onions and sauté until soft.

  3. Add flavor: Stir in canned corn (with liquid), water, beef gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer for a few minutes, then pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

  4. Prepare mashed potatoes: Bring water and butter to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in instant mashed potato mix and milk until smooth. Spread the mashed potatoes gently over the beef layer.

  5. Add tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mashed potatoes.

  6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy.

  7. Cheesy finish: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tots and bake an additional 4–6 minutes, until melted and bubbly.

  8. Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Customizable Veggies: Try adding peas, carrots, or green beans to the beef mixture.

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://friendlywell.com/shepherds-pie-tater-tot-casserole-is-a-must-try-dish/