Introduction
If you love the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Shepherd’s Pie but want an easier, family-friendly version, this recipe is for you. The base is a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef (or lamb), vegetables, and gravy, topped with a layer of crispy tater tots and melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest — warm, filling, and irresistibly crispy on top!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables of your choice)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 (28 oz / 800g) bag frozen tater tots
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions / Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir well to coat the mixture — this helps thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and saucy.
- Stir in the frozen vegetables and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling (optional but delicious!).
- Arrange tater tots in neat rows over the top, covering the entire surface.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- For an extra cheesy crust, sprinkle a little more cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness: Add a splash of red wine to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Make it spicy: Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper in the filling.
- Vegetarian version: Use lentils or plant-based ground “meat” instead of beef, and swap in vegetable broth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.