Description
This Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef and vegetables slow-cooked in a crockpot, topped with layers of melty cheeses and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a cozy family meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 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
Vegetables & Broth
- 10 oz. frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans, and peas)
- 1 cup beef broth
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 32 oz. frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté beef and onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and onions are tender. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and tomato paste into the cooked beef and onion mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to crockpot: Pour the beef mixture into a 6-quart crockpot, spreading it evenly as the base layer of the casserole.
- Add vegetables and broth: Top the beef mixture with the frozen mixed vegetables, then pour the beef broth over everything. Stir gently to incorporate the vegetables throughout the beef base.
- Layer cheeses and tater tots: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the mixture. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, followed by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese over the tots.
- Cook slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the tater tots to cook through to a crispy finish on top.
- Serve: Once done, serve the casserole hot and enjoy a delightful twist on classic shepherd’s pie flavors.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, you can finish the casserole under a broiler for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- If you don’t have thyme, Italian seasoning or rosemary works as a substitute.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Use a larger crockpot if you want to make a bigger batch or if your 6-quart pot feels too full.
- Make sure to drain any grease from the beef to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Shepherd's pie casserole, tater tot casserole, slow cooker recipe, ground beef casserole, comfort food
