Mexican Fiesta Shepherd's Pie
This Mexican Fiesta Shepherd's Pie is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, infused with zesty taco flavors that make it irresistible for both kids and adults. With savory ground beef seasoned with taco spices, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is the ultimate family-friendly meal. It's easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delicious lunch the next day. Once my 6-year-old daughter exclaimed it was the best thing she ever tasted, I knew we had a winner on our hands!
4
Servings
500
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
taco seasoning mix
1 1/4 ounces (to taste)
canned corn niblets
2 cups (drained)
potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and diced)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
butter
optional (for mashing the potatoes)
milk
optional (for mashing the potatoes)
salt
to taste (for seasoning potatoes)
black pepper
to taste (for seasoning potatoes)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
3
Stir in the taco seasoning mix, adjusting the amount to your preferred spice level. Add the canned corn and mix well until heated through. Set aside.
4
While the beef is cooking, place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
5
Mash the potatoes until smooth, adding butter and milk for creaminess if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
In a 2-quart round casserole dish, spread one third of the mashed potatoes on the bottom.
7
Layer the ground beef mixture evenly over the potatoes, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese.
8
Top with the remaining mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly to cover the cheese.
9
For immediate serving, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10
If you’d like to freeze, cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze until solid. Once solid, lift the pie out of the dish, wrap in foil, and place in a zipper bag, labeling with the name and date. Consume within 3 months.
11
To reheat from frozen, unwrap the pie and place it back in the original casserole dish. Defrost completely and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
47.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mexican Fiesta Shepherd's Pie?
It is a twist on the classic comfort food dish, featuring savory ground beef seasoned with taco spices, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes topped with cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional details per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, 22.5g of fat, 47.5g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for immediate baking.
How should I prepare the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
What seasoning is used for the meat layer?
The meat is seasoned with 1 1/4 ounces of taco seasoning mix, which can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The diced potatoes should be boiled in salted water for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender.
How do I make the mashed potatoes creamy?
Mash the potatoes until smooth and optionally add butter and milk to reach your desired level of creaminess.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How do I layer the Mexican Fiesta Shepherd's Pie?
Spread one third of the mashed potatoes on the bottom, followed by the beef and corn mixture, a layer of cheese, and finally the remaining mashed potatoes.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart round casserole dish is ideal for this recipe.
How long does the dish bake for immediate serving?
Bake for about 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Can I freeze this shepherd's pie?
Yes, you can freeze it by covering the dish tightly with foil. Once solid, you can wrap it and store it in a zipper bag for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the pie from frozen?
Unwrap the pie, place it back in the casserole dish, defrost completely, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is specifically described as a winner for both kids and adults, even impressing a 6-year-old child.
What type of corn is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of drained canned corn niblets.
How do I season the mashed potatoes?
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste.
What should I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored and make for a delicious lunch the next day.
Is the butter and milk mandatory for the potatoes?
No, butter and milk are optional ingredients used to enhance the creaminess of the potatoes.
Can I adjust the spice level of the beef?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of taco seasoning mix to fit your preferred level of heat.
Does the beef need to be drained?
Yes, draining the excess fat after browning the ground beef ensures the dish is not too greasy.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include one-dish meal, mexican cuisine, comfort food, family meal, easy dinner, frozen meal, and shepherd's pie.
Is this a fast meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as an easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
How do I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be peeled and diced before boiling in salted water.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 30g of protein.
When do I add the corn to the beef?
Add the canned corn after the taco seasoning is stirred into the browned beef, mixing until heated through.
What is the recommended storage time in the freezer?
It is recommended to consume the frozen pie within 3 months.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
The recipe calls for standard potatoes to be peeled and diced, but you can use your preferred variety.
Is the cheese mixed into the beef?
No, the shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top of the ground beef mixture before the final layer of potatoes is added.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features zesty taco flavors combined with traditional shepherd's pie elements.