Tater-Tot Topped Shepherd’s Pie

• 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 bags frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 rounded tablespoons flour
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 bag frozen tater tots

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high to high heat with oil. When oil ripples, add meat and brown well, stirring occasionally. Add onions, vegetables, garlic, bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Cook to soften vegetables, 10-12 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and reduce heat to simmer.

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute then whisk in 1/2 cup of the beef broth. Reduce by half then whisk in the rest of the broth and thicken to a loose gravy.

Place meat and vegetables in a casserole dish and stir in gravy. Top with tots and bake until tots are golden and crispy on top, about 20 minutes. Spread cheddar on top of tots and bake for an additional 5 minutes.