Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
Topping
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third to ensure even cooking and browning of the tater tots.
- Sauté Onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and start to soften.
- Brown Ground Meat: Add the lean ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook while breaking it up with a spoon until browned but not fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Thickeners: Lower the heat to medium and stir in Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and flour. Cook while stirring constantly for about one minute to combine and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, heating them through for approximately 3 minutes. Stir frequently and, if the filling becomes too dry, add a splash more beef broth to maintain moisture.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish, smoothing it evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots evenly on top. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, large, and deep (such as a 12″ Le Creuset), you can assemble and bake the casserole directly in the skillet by arranging the tater tots from the outside in.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier, more browned top, broil the casserole for a few minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- You can use either lean ground beef or lamb depending on your preference.
- Frozen mixed vegetables typically include peas, carrots, corn, and green beans but feel free to use your favorite mix.
- If your skillet is oven-safe and deep enough, it simplifies assembly and cleanup.
- Add extra beef broth if the filling looks dry during cooking to keep it moist.
- Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the tater tots if choosing to broil at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
