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

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 –8 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  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.