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Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie

Crispy Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie for Easy Family Dinners

Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie offers a comforting twist with crispy tater tots, perfect for easy family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and flavor; olive oil can be a lighter alternative.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Provides aromatic sweetness; try shallots or leeks for a twist.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef, lean The protein base; ground lamb makes a traditional substitution.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Enhances flavor; a blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil works too.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Adds depth and umami; ketchup can also be utilized in a pinch.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Thickens the sauce; both all-purpose or gluten-free varieties are suitable.
  • 1.5 cups Beef Broth Provides moisture and flavor; vegetable broth can turn this into a vegetarian dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Delivers a savory, tangy kick; tamari sauce is a great gluten-free option.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall taste; adjust according to the broth's sodium content.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables Adds nutrition and color; swap for fresh veggies like peas or carrots if desired.
For the Topping
  • 32 ounces Frozen Tater Tots Creates the iconic topping; hash browns or mashed potatoes are fun alternatives.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • oven-safe skillet or casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), placing the rack in the top third position.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet and add one chopped medium onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and break it up as it cooks, stirring for 6-8 minutes until browned evenly.
  4. Lower the heat and sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir for about 1 minute.
  5. Gradually pour in 1.5 cups of beef broth and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce while scraping up browned bits. Allow the mixture to thicken for about 1 minute.
  6. Add 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet and heat for about 3 minutes until warmed through.
  7. Transfer the filling into a 9x13 casserole dish or oven-safe skillet, smoothing it evenly across the bottom.
  8. Arrange frozen tater tots closely on top of the filling, covering exposed areas.
  9. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. For an extra crispy finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

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