Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 pound ground beef (450g), preferably 80/20
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15 ml)
  • 1 (28-32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots (800-900g)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (30g) (Optional, for extra browning)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (30g) (Optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  6. Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
  7. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  8. Stir in frozen peas and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
  9. Pour the beef filling into the prepared baking dish.
  10. Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the beef filling.
  11. Drizzle the melted butter over the tater tots and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  13. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.