Dinner

Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Name: Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; ½ yellow onion, diced; 1 Tbsp. minced garlic; ½ tsp. salt; ½ tsp. pepper; 1 tsp. thyme; 3 Tbsp. tomato paste; 10 oz. frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, and peas); 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 32 oz. frozen tater tots; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Bylilan Sage February 18, 2026February 18, 2026

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Introduction

Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting twist on a classic dish, combining savory ground beef and vegetables with crispy tater tots. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish in a black slow cooker, with a wooden spoon lifting a portion. The dish has three visible layers: the top layer is golden melted cheese covering crispy, golden-brown tater tots. Below this is a mix of cooked ground beef and soft vegetables, including bright orange carrot slices, yellow corn, and green beans. The background around the slow cooker is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
½ yellow onion, diced
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
1 tsp. thyme
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
10 oz. frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, and peas)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
32 oz. frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and tomato paste until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture into a 6-quart crockpot.
Step 4: Add the frozen mixed vegetables and pour in the beef broth. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese over the mixture, then add a layer of frozen tater tots, and finally sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours until everything is hot and the tater tots are cooked through.
Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy casserole.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture before cooking.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
You can use different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Monterey jack for a twist.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the beef for a subtle smoky or spicy note.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave until hot. Avoid freezing as tater tots can lose their texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked casserole in a white dish, with the top layer made of melted golden cheese that covers mashed potatoes shaped into small rounded mounds with a soft, fluffy texture. Below the cheese and potato layer, there is a mix of ground beef, bright orange sliced carrots, yellow corn kernels, and green beans, giving a colorful, textured look. The wooden spoon lifts a scoop showing the layers clearly, with the brown, crumbly meat and mixed vegetables contrasting with the soft, cheesy potato topping. The background has a white marbled texture, adding brightness to the photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake the casserole in a 9×13 inch dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes to crisp the tater tots.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?

Absolutely! Use about 1 to 1½ cups of chopped fresh carrots, corn, green beans, and peas. You might want to sauté them briefly before adding to ensure they cook fully.