Indulge in this comforting Shepherd's Pie with a twist: a crispy tater tot topping! This hearty dish layers savory beef or lamb, mixed vegetables, and rich gravy, finished with golden tater tots and melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare with a total time of 1 hour 10 minutes, it's a perfect meal for six, ensuring a satisfying dinner with a delightful crunch in every bite.
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.