You’ll enjoy switching up a dinnertime classic with this fun, family-friendly tater tot shepherd’s pie.
You guys. My tater tot shepherd’s pie recipe is the dinner remix you NEED in your life. Not only do tater tots make everything more fun, but swapping these crunchy bites of heaven for mashed potatoes is a lot less work!
Instead of peeling and chopping and boiling and mashing your spuds, you can just shake a few out of a bag directly onto your casserole and pop it right in the oven. This is a recipe for REAL LIFE.
Why You’ll Love Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie (or cottage pie for you purists) is the comfort food of your dreams. Seasoned ground meat with a light gravy, a variety of vegetables, and satiating spuds all wrap up into one perfect, satisfying bite.
We’re making this recipe easier (and healthier). Instead of mashed potatoes, we are using frozen tater tots. We’ll also be doubling up on the veggies and using a lean ground beef to keep this dish both macro-friendly AND family-friendly.
My tater tot shepherd’s pie is also fantastic for meal prep. After baking the casserole, just divide into 6 or 8 portions to heat up for meals throughout the week.
Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients
Lean Beef: I’m using a 94% lean ground beef, but you can also swap in ground turkey, lamb, chicken or even pork if you prefer.
Vegetables: We’re keeping this one easy-peasy – just use your favorite frozen mixed vegetables + chopped onion. My frozen veggie mix included carrots, peas, corn and green beans
Spices: I’m using a mix of garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika and salt & pepper.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds such a nice umami flavor to beef dishes.
Tomato Paste: I started buying tomato paste in little tubes that you can squeeze like toothpaste and it has become SUCH a game changer.
Tater Tots: We’ll be using about a pound of frozen tater tots. Store brand is fine.
Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie (in Photos)
Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie Variations
Looking to change it up a bit or indulge in a more decadent version? Here are some fun ideas to try. Please note that macros will change with these variations.
Cheese: Sprinkle on a handful (or two) of sharp cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots before baking for an ooey-gooey take on this classic.
Cream: Add in a cup of half and half (or fat-free half and half) when adding in the beef broth for a creamier filling closer to a chicken pot pie.
Additional veggies: Looking to pack in some more nutrients? Other veggies that would be delicious in this tator tot shepherd’s pie include chopped white mushrooms, celery, and tomatoes. Make sure to saute fresh vegetables until soft in step one, along with the onions.
Ground beef recipes are some of my favorites. If you liked this recipe, check out my taco rice skillet!
Tater Tot Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454g) ground beef, lean
- 1/2 (90g) white onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup (129g) frozen mixed vegetables
- 1.5 tbsp (24g) tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 lb (454g) frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add lean ground beef.
- Add in diced onion and cook with beef until beef is browned and onion is soft.
- If you're using lean beef, there shouldn't be any fat to drain, but if you're using a fattier grind, drain extra fat.
- Add in tomato paste and spices. Mix well and cook for one minute.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Add in frozen vegetables.
- Mix well and simmer for about 10 minutes or until beef broth is slightly reduced.
- Add beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Top with frozen tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake in a 350 oven for about 25 minutes or until tater tots are crispy.
NOTE
Nutrition information for this recipe is provided below. For more information on the nutrition facts provided on this site, please visit our nutrition disclaimer.
Leave a Reply