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This kicked-up version of the original Shepherd’s pie or cottage pie is really good! Easy shepherd’s pie recipe with instant mashed potatoes is a little spicy, and yet it’s like pure comfort food with the mashed potatoes, but then the crunchy tots on top, and gooey cheese make it a real treat. 

Easy shepherds pie recipe with instant mashed potatoes

It’s full of delicious flavors, and there is something for the entire family in this one-dish meal It’s a great dish for a real family-style dinner on a busy weeknight. Make sure our easy shepherd’s pie recipe goes in your favorites!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED

• 1 pound of ground Sirloin or lean ground beef – depends on what they have at your grocery store
• Garlic salt – to taste
• Seasoned salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• 1 package of mixed vegetables
• 1 sweet onion – chopped onions
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
• 1 can of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 Tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 package cheddar cheese
• 2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup of Ketchup
• 1 Package of Ore Ida frozen mashed potatoes
• 2 Tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper
• 1 package of frozen sweet corn
• 1 package of Ore Ida Tater tots

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

In a large skillet, brown ground beef, until completely cooked, over medium heat and no pink is visible. Drain away fat with paper towels. Add the chopped onion and cook the onion to a golden brown. Mix with the cooked ground beef, and add the minced garlic, tomato paste, (plus 1 cup of water) chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ketchup. Stir all ingredients together and bring to a low boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes on medium-high heat. Then, set ground beef filling aside.

While the meat mixture is simmering, let’s make the potatoes recipe, place the instant russet potatoes or frozen mashed potatoes in a large bowl, and add about 1 1/2 cups of water, and cook on the ‘VEGETABLE’ setting in the microwave. When the instant potatoes cooked, stir well, take a potato masher and mash any potato pieces not already soft and mashed. Add the butter, and salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Place the frozen veggies in a bowl, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter, and pour the melted butter over the frozen vegetables, and stir. 

Grease the bottom of a 9 X 13 casserole dish and spoon the meat mixture into the bottom of the dish. Place the mashed potato topping on top of the beef mixture, by the spoonful, and evenly spread over the ground meat. Spoon the corn on top of mashed potatoes, evenly. Place the Tater tots on top of the corn, preheat oven to 425 degrees, and place the dish in the oven, at 425 degrees for 30 – 40 minutes, or until the Tater tots are dark golden brown, and crunchy. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top of tater tots. Place the dish back in the oven until the cheese is melted, and the end result is a golden-brown cheese on top. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

How do I store leftovers?

You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. You can easily heat this easy meal in the air fryer the next day.