Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tots (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Beef Mixture

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
02 - 1 cup diced yellow onions
03 - 12 oz canned corn (with liquid)
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 0.87 oz beef gravy mix
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/2 tsp pepper
08 - 1/2 tbsp onion powder
09 - 1/2 tbsp garlic powder

→ Mashed Potatoes

10 - 1 1/2 cups water
11 - 2 tbsp margarine (or butter)
12 - 4 oz instant mashed potato mix
13 - 1/2 cup milk

→ Topping

14 - 28 oz frozen tater tots
15 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large sauté pan, melt a dab of margarine or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef starts browning, add the diced onions and cook until soft and the beef is fully cooked.
02 - Pour the canned corn (with liquid) into the pan. Stir in 1/2 cup water, beef gravy mix, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
03 - In a saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups water and 2 tbsp margarine to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the instant mashed potato mix and milk, and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until creamy.
04 - Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the mashed potatoes over the beef, then arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
05 - Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 4-6 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
06 - Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
02 - Add peas, carrots, or green beans for extra veggies and nutrition.
03 - Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
04 - Try different cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.