Hey there! So, I have this recipe that’s kind of a mash-up of two of my favorite comfort foods: Shepherd’s Pie and Tater Tots. Weird, right? But trust me, it’s a match made in cozy-dinner heaven. I remember the first time I tried it was after a long day, and I needed something easy but also super satisfying. Plus, it was one of those days where you just want to throw everything into one dish and hope for the best. Spoiler alert: it worked!
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when my fridge is looking a bit sad and I need to use up those lonely veggies. My kids go crazy for this casserole because it’s basically dinner with a side of crispy tots (and who can resist that?). Whenever I feel like a culinary genius for combining foods, this one’s a winner. Oh, and it’s pretty forgiving if you accidentally go overboard with the cheese—because who doesn’t?!
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef (or lamb if you’re feeling traditional)
- 1 onion, chopped (I sometimes use pre-chopped to save a tear)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots – whatever’s rolling around in your freezer)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (chicken works in a pinch, though my grandma would shake her head)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar’s my go-to but go wild!)
- 1 bag of Tater Tots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (or 200°C if you’re on my side of the pond).
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat (this is when I sneak a taste—whoops!).
- Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in your veggies, tomato paste, and broth. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks a bit soupy; it thickens up.
- Transfer the meat mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle cheese over the top. Layer those tots like you’re playing a game of Tetris.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tots are golden and crispy. If you’re impatient like me, just try not to burn your tongue!
Notes
I’ve found that sautéing the veggies before adding them makes them extra tasty, but it’s optional. Also, once I added some Worcestershire sauce, and it gave it a nice zing!
Variations
Once, I tried adding some jalapeños for a kick—big hit with my spice-loving friends. But the time I tossed in broccoli, it didn’t land as well. Lesson learned: not everything’s better with broccoli.
Equipment
No baking dish? No worries, just use any oven-proof pan. I sometimes use my trusty cast iron skillet. It’s like an old friend!
Storage Information
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this with a side salad to pretend I’m being healthy. Or, if I’m feeling cheeky, some garlic bread to up the carb count.
Pro Tips
Don’t rush baking the tots. I once tried rushing this step and regretted it because they were just sad and soggy. Crispy tots are worth the wait!
FAQ
- Can I use sweet potato tots instead? Sure, why not! They add a nice sweetness.
- Is it okay to use frozen veggies? Absolutely, that’s what I usually do. Quick and easy!
- What if I don’t have tomato paste? You can substitute with ketchup in a pinch—it’s one of those weird tricks that actually works.