Tater Tot Shepherds Pie Pub Grub Gone Gourmet

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a twist on a classic? Ever thought of swapping mashed potatoes for crispy tater tots? Honestly, this shepherd's pie with tater tots is a game changer! It's savory, comforting, and utterly delicious.

Brief Overview

Shepherd's pie hails from the UK, a hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. This version elevates it with a playful American touch.

It's an easy shepherd's pie recipe , taking about an hour from start to finish. This recipe yields 6-8 generous servings perfect for a family dinner!

Main Benefits

The star here is undeniably the tater tots! They add a fun, crispy texture that kids and adults alike will love.

Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some veggies, making it a balanced and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, a real family friendly shepherd's pie recipe!

Ready to ditch the spuds and embrace the tots? This is one of my favourite comfort food recipes ! Let's dive into what you'll need to create this masterpiece.

Ingredients for Your Tater Tot Extravaganza

You'll need some basics for the hearty filling. We're talking ground beef, veggies, and flavor enhancers. Then, of course, the glorious tater tots to crown your creation! Let's break it down.

The Hearty Filling

Grab some olive oil. You will also need one onion, two carrots, two celery stalks, and 450g of ground beef.

Herbs and spices are your friends; thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all play a part. Don't forget flour, beef broth, frozen peas, frozen corn, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce!

The Tater Tot Topping

You'll need one large bag (800-900g) of frozen tater tots. Melted butter and shredded cheddar cheese are optional, but highly recommended for an extra indulgent touch! A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color.

Next up, we'll go through all the equipment needed to create this best shepherd's pie recipe !

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie Extravaganza

Right, let's talk about what you need to nail this shepherd's pie with tater tots . Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.

Think of this as a quick dinner ideas sort of situation, not rocket science. We're aiming for comfort food recipes here, nothing too fancy.

Main Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this easy shepherd's pie recipe . Remember, these are the foundation.

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Just your everyday olive oil will do.
• Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup ). Don't be shy with the onions, they add a lovely sweetness.
• Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and diced (about 1 cup ). If they’re looking a bit sad in the fridge, carrots are good.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about 1 cup ). Fresh and crisp celery adds a nice bite.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g) , 80/20 is ideal. You want a bit of fat for flavour.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . That classic herby kick.
• Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon . Adds a touch of earthy aroma. Some people prefer tater tot shepherd's pie with rosemary , if you like it go ahead.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon . Because who doesn't love garlic?
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key, you know.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (30g) . This helps thicken the sauce.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240 ml) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup . Straight from the freezer, no need to thaw.
• Frozen Corn: 1 cup . Same as the peas.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This adds depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . The secret ingredient for that umami punch.
• Frozen Tater Tots: 1 (28-32 ounce) bag (800-900g) . The star of our show!
• Melted Butter (Optional): 2 tablespoons (30g) . For extra browning on the tots.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional): 1/4 cup (30g) . Because cheese makes everything better. You can make shepherd's pie with tater tots and cheese if you want to.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): For garnish. Makes it look all fancy.

When picking out your ground beef , look for a nice, bright red color. Avoid anything that looks grey or smells off.

The 80/20 blend gives you the right amount of flavour without being too greasy.

Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef !

Thyme and rosemary are a classic combo for this sort of thing. They play really well with the beef. A dash of smoked paprika can add a nice, subtle smokiness too.

Don't be afraid to experiment with your favourite herbs. It's all about making it your version of the best shepherd's pie recipe .

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce (where have you been?), a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can work in a pinch. Just be careful not to overdo it.

Equipment Needed

This easy tater tot shepherd's pie is all about convenience. You don't need fancy equipment.

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For cooking the filling.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the pie.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and breaking up the beef.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large, deep skillet will do the trick. For the baking dish, anything oven safe will work just fine.

Just make sure it's big enough to hold all that deliciousness! Some people also like the crispy tater tot shepherd's pie , but this is optional.

So there you have it! All the kit and caboodle you need for your family friendly shepherd's pie recipe . Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie Easy Peasy!

Alright, let’s talk shepherd's pie with tater tots ! Forget fancy spuds; we're going full-on comfort food recipes here. Honestly, who doesn't love tater tots? This easy shepherd's pie recipe is proper lush.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

• Essential mise en place: Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Measure out your spices and get your frozen veg ready. This is what makes a quick dinner idea happen.
• Time saving organization tips: While your pan heats up, have everything measured and prepped.
• Safety reminders (if applicable): Don’t burn yourself on the hot hob. Use oven gloves!

step-by-step: Tot-ally Easy

1. Preheat oven to 400° F ( 200° C). Get that oven fired up!
2. Sauté the veg. Heat olive oil. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5- 7 minutes , until softened.
3. Brown the beef. Add 1 pound ground beef . Break it up and cook until browned. Drain any fat.
4. Season, season, season! Stir in thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Make a roux. Sprinkle in flour. Cook for 1 minute , stirring. This helps thicken the sauce.
6. Add the wet stuff. Pour in beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 10- 15 minutes , until thickened.
7. Veggie power! Stir in peas and corn. Cook for 2- 3 minutes .
8. Tot time! Top with tater tots in a single layer. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until golden brown.

Pro Tips: Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots Know How

• For a crispy tater tot shepherd's pie , pre-bake the tots for 10 minutes. Trust me, it's a game changer!
• Don't overcook the filling. You want it saucy, not dry. Think about a tater tot casserole recipe , you want a binding, innit?
• If you fancy a shepherd's pie with tater tots and cheese , sprinkle cheddar on top before baking. Lush!

So there you have it a best shepherd's pie recipe that’s secretly a cheeky tater tot masterpiece. This family friendly shepherd's pie recipe is gonna be a hit.

Fancy a vegetarian shepherd's pie with tater tots ? Just swap the beef for lentils! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Best Shepherd's Pie with Tater Tots

Alright, so you're ready to make some shepherd's pie with tater tots . Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, a few extra pointers can make this comfort food recipe sing.

Think of these as your cheat sheet for creating the best shepherd's pie recipe , ever. Honestly, these tips are essential if you want your tater tot shepherd's pie to really wow!

Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro

Presentation, innit? Plating your shepherd's pie with tater tots and cheese can elevate the whole experience. Think rustic charm. Serve it straight from the baking dish for that homey vibe, or portion it out onto plates.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. For sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness.

Steamed green beans are another shout, classic and healthy. Or, if you're feeling particularly British, a dollop of HP Sauce on the side is a must.

You know, to take it to the next level.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Safe

Got leftovers? No worries! This easy shepherd's pie recipe stores like a dream. For refrigeration, let the pie cool completely before covering it tightly and popping it in the fridge.

It'll keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.

For freezing, portion the pie into individual containers. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations: Tater Tot Shepherd's Pie Remix!

Fancy a tweak? Let's talk variations! For a dietary adaptation, a vegetarian shepherd's pie with tater tots is easily doable.

Swap out the ground beef for lentils. Trust me, it works a treat! Using vegetable broth is a plus. Speaking of swaps, for a seasonal switch-up, in the autumn, use butternut squash.

Adding a touch of rosemary will give you a tater tot shepherd's pie with rosemary.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Let's keep this simple. One serving of this shepherd's pie with ground beef contains roughly 450-550 calories. It's also packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the beef, vegetables, and potatoes.

Just be mindful of the sodium content, especially depending on your broth and seasoning choices. Overall, it's a hearty, satisfying meal that'll keep you going.

So there you have it, all you need to know about recipe notes. Now get in there and cook! And don't be afraid to make a mess.

That's half the fun, right? Enjoy your quick dinner idea and your new favourite tater tot casserole recipe !