Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic with a Crispy Twist!

 

If you’re craving comfort food that’s hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly, this Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is just the dish for you. Combining the savory meat-and-veggie filling of traditional shepherd’s pie with the irresistible crunch of golden tater tots, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish meal – protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pan
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
• Quick prep with simple pantry ingredients
• Delicious twist on two classics: shepherd’s pie + tater tot casserole

 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

 Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking pan.

2. Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add Sauce and Vegetables

Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined and heated through.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and veggie mixture into the bottom of your prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture, covering the entire top.

5. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots begin to crisp and turn golden brown.

6. Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the tater tots. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot. Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of ketchup for a classic comfort food vibe.

Tips & Variations

• Make it a shepherd’s pie twist: Use ground lamb or turkey for a more traditional take.
• Want it saucier? Add 1/4 cup of beef broth to the filling before baking.
• Cheese options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby for different flavor.
• Vegetarian version: Use plant-based crumbles and a vegetarian mushroom soup alternative.

 Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezer-friendly: Assemble ahead (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.

 Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: ~450 per serving (varies by cheese and tots used)