Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots
Indulge in a comforting classic with this easy Shepherd's Pie with tater tots as the topping. A hearty and delicious meal the whole family will love!
Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots
This simple and delicious Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots recipe combines ground beef or lamb with wholesome vegetables, savory seasonings, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy, this comforting dish makes for a hearty and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients for Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots
Ground beef or lamb: You can use either ground beef or lamb, depending on your preference.
Onion: Yellow or white onions work well in this dish.
Garlic: Mince the garlic finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the filling.
Carrots: Make sure to dice them small so they cook through in time.
Frozen peas: You can add them directly from frozen, and they will cook quickly in the filling.
Tomato paste: Make sure to cook it slightly to remove any raw flavor.
Beef or vegetable broth: Use beef broth for a meaty flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Worcestershire sauce: This condiment adds a savory umami flavor to the filling.
Seasonings (salt and pepper): Season the filling to taste with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Tater tots: Tater tots provide a crispy and golden topping for the Shepherd's Pie. They're a fun twist on the traditional mashed potato topping.
Shredded cheddar cheese: It creates a gooey, golden layer when melted in the oven.
Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It's optional but adds a nice touch.
How to Make Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots
To prepare Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or lamb, and then drain excess fat. Add in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
Incorporate the tomato paste, frozen peas, beef or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Transfer this meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Next, layer the tater tots on top of the mixture in a single layer, making sure you have full coverage.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots!
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots
Use frozen mixed vegetables: To save time, use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables instead of chopping individual carrots and peas. This can be a quick and convenient substitute.
Make it ahead: Prepare the meat and vegetable mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake the Shepherd's Pie, just layer the tater tots on top and pop it in the oven.
Try different toppings: Instead of cheddar cheese, experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or a combination of cheeses for added flavor.
Use a larger casserole dish: If you prefer a thinner layer of tater tots, use a larger casserole dish to spread them out more thinly for a crispier texture.
Customize the toppings: Serve with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of green onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to customize each serving to your taste.
Leftover makeover: Turn any leftover Shepherd's Pie into delicious stuffed peppers by spooning the mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and baking until the peppers are tender.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots, first allow it to cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, cover the dish with a tight-fitting lid or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
What to Serve with Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots
Shepherd's pie tends to be a meal in itself, but here are some tasty sides that pair really well.
Side salad: A light and refreshing side dish that balances out the richness of the Shepherd's Pie.
Mashed peas: Creamy and flavorful peas complement the potato topping of the Shepherd's Pie
Garlic bread: A delicious option for soaking up any leftover gravy from the Shepherd's Pie
Roasted vegetables: A healthy and colorful addition to round out the meal.
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Shepherds Pie with Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomato paste, frozen peas, beef or vegetable broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Arrange the tater tots on top of the meat mixture in a single layer, covering it completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tater tots turn golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
