Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

– **1 tablespoon flour** (to thicken the sauce)
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste

#### For the Tater Tot Topping:
– **1 bag frozen tater tots** (approximately 32 oz or 900g)
– **1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese** (optional, for extra cheesy goodness)
– **Chopped green onions or parsley**, for garnish (optional)

### How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is simple to assemble, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Follow these steps for a delicious, comforting meal:

#### Step 1: Cook the Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** (or lamb) and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Add the **diced onion** to the pan and cook for **3-4 minutes**, until softened. Add the **garlic** and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Next, stir in the **tomato paste** and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Sprinkle the mixture with the **flour**, and stir it in to help thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the **beef broth**, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the **Worcestershire sauce** and **dried thyme** (or fresh thyme, if using) and let the mixture simmer for **5-7 minutes**, until it thickens slightly.

Add the **frozen peas** (and carrots, if using) and stir to combine. Season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Once the mixture is thick and everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**.

In a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread the cooked beef and vegetable mixture evenly across the bottom.

Next, take the **frozen tater tots** and layer them evenly on top of the filling. Make sure they are arranged neatly, covering the entire surface of the casserole. If you want an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle the **shredded cheddar cheese** over the tater tots for a melty, golden finish.

#### Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about **25-30 minutes**, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. If you added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly. If you’d like extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for the last **2-3 minutes**—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped **green onions** or **fresh parsley**, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, comforting flavors of this fun twist on a classic!

### Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

1. **Use Frozen Tater Tots**: For the best crispy texture, stick to **frozen tater tots**. They crisp up beautifully in the oven and add that signature crunch that makes this casserole stand out.
2. **Customize the Vegetables**: Feel free to swap the peas and carrots for your favorite vegetables, like corn, green beans, or mushrooms. You can also use a frozen vegetable mix for convenience.
3. **Add Extra Cheese**: If you love cheesy casseroles, consider mixing in some shredded cheese with the filling or sprinkling extra cheese on top before baking. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well.
4. **Make Ahead**: You can assemble this casserole a day ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or preparing a big family dinner in advance.
5. **Make It Spicy**: Add a little heat by sprinkling in some red pepper flakes or chopped **jalapeños** to the filling for a spicy kick.
6. **Use Ground Turkey**: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for **ground turkey** or **chicken**. This keeps the casserole lean while still delivering great flavor.

### Variations on Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

– **Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole**: Use **lentils** or **chopped mushrooms** instead of meat for a vegetarian-friendly version. You can also load up on more vegetables to create a filling and satisfying dish without the meat.
– **Cheesy Garlic Tater Tot Topping**: Add **garlic powder** and **parmesan cheese** to the tater tots before baking to infuse the top layer with extra flavor.
– **Buffalo Shepherd’s Pie**: For a spicy twist, mix in some **Buffalo sauce** with the beef mixture, and top the casserole with **blue cheese** crumbles instead of cheddar. This variation adds a zesty, tangy kick to the dish.
– **Southwest Shepherd’s Pie**: Add **black beans**, **corn**, and **chopped bell peppers** to the filling for a southwestern-inspired version. Top with **cheddar cheese** and some **jalapeño slices** for an extra punch.

### Why You’ll Love Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

1. **Ultimate Comfort Food**: This casserole combines all the cozy flavors of a traditional shepherd’s pie with the fun, crispy texture of tater tots—what’s not to love?
2. **Family-Friendly**: With its crispy topping and savory filling, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family meals.
3. **Quick and Easy**: With minimal prep time and a short baking time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal fast.
4. **One-Pan Wonder**: This casserole is all made in one dish, making cleanup a breeze and allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal.

### Conclusion

**Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole** is a delicious, fun twist on the classic shepherd’s pie. With its rich, savory filling, topped with crispy, golden tater tots, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

So why not ditch the traditional mashed potatoes and give this **Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie** a try? It’s simple, flavorful, and utterly comforting—just the way good food should be.

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**Enjoy your Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole—a crispy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion!**