Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich, hearty meat and vegetable filling with crispy, a layer of crispy tater tots and melty cheese.
This easy dinner recipe is a fun twist on the traditional casserole dish topped with mashed potatoes and is sure to be a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy - Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this an easy complete meal for busy weeknights.
Kid-friendly - The crispy tater tots and cheesy topping appeal to picky eaters.
Hearty and satisfying - This hearty casserole is packed with protein, veggies, and carbs.
Customizable - Easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.
Great for leftovers - Reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients in Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots
- ground beef or ground turkey
- yellow onion
- cloves of garlic
- carrots, diced
- frozen peas or a bag of frozen mixed vegetables if desired
- tomato paste
- beef broth or vegetable broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- frozen tater tots
- shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie
This simple recipe is a delicious twist on the classic shepherd's pie and is an easy recipe to prepare for busy nights.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease the bottom of a 13x9 dish.
- Cook ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots; cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato paste, peas, broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Arrange a single layer of tater tots tater tots evenly on top of the meat mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.
Quick Tips
Use frozen veggies - Save time by using a frozen mixed vegetable blend instead of chopping fresh ones.
Make it ahead - Assemble the pie earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Shepherd's pie makes a great freezer meal!
Extra crispy tater tots- Add a few minutes of baking time to create extra crispy golden brown tater tots.
Cheese it up - Add extra cheese or mix different types like mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey topping.
How to Store Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots
Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze - Assemble the dish without baking and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheat - Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Love
Looking for more delicious and easy dinner recipes? Try these family-friendly meals:
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna - A creamy, cheesy twist on traditional lasagna with layers of chicken, Alfredo sauce, and pasta.
White Chicken Enchiladas - Soft tortillas filled with shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese for a comforting Mexican-inspired dish.
📖 Recipe
Shepherd's Pie with Tator Tots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef - or ground turkey
- 1 onion - chopped
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 carrots - diced
- 1 cup frozen peas - or a bag of frozen mixed vegetables if desired
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish - optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease the bottom of a 13x9 dish.
- Cook ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and carrots; cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato paste, peas, broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Arrange a single layer of tater tots tater tots evenly on top of the meat mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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