Spicy Southwest Comfort Pie
Warm up on a chilly day with this hearty and flavorful Spicy Southwest Comfort Pie. This delightful twist on traditional shepherd's pie features a rich and savory filling of extra lean ground sirloin, mushrooms, and a medley of aromatics, all simmered in a zesty broth with a hint of red wine. Topped with creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes infused with jalapeños, cilantro, and cheese, this dish is a comforting escape from the elements. Not only is it low in fat, but it's also perfect for meal prep; simply freeze for later use and enjoy the rich flavors any day of the week!
6
Servings
400
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Carrot
1 (shredded)
Button mushrooms
1/2 lb (cleaned and sliced)
Extra lean ground sirloin
1 lb (crumbled)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (none)
Canned fat free low-sodium beef broth
1 cup (240 ml)
Dry red wine
1/3 cup (or an additional 1/3 cup of beef broth)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (30 ml)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed (for sautéing and greasing)
Russet potato
1 lb (peeled and cut into chunks)
Skim milk
3-4 tablespoons (45 to 60 ml)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Minced pickled jalapeno pepper
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
Minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (or flat leaf parsley)
Minced scallion
1 tablespoon (15 ml)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml)
Shredded 2% low-fat Monterey Jack cheese
3 tablespoons (30 g)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil cooking spray over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, shredded carrot, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and the pan has released its moisture, about 6 minutes.
2
Add the ground sirloin to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
3
Sprinkle the dried oregano, thyme, cumin, and ground pepper over the beef mixture. Then, dust the mixture with flour and stir well to combine.
4
Pour in the beef broth, red wine (or additional broth), and tomato paste. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5
Prepare a 2-quart casserole dish by lining it with heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring it can completely wrap the casserole. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray.
6
Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the mashed potato topping.
7
In a large pot of boiling water, add the russet potato chunks and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
8
Mash the potatoes, gradually adding skim milk until you achieve a creamy consistency. Mix in salt (if using), minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and minced scallions.
9
Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly over the meat filling, creating swirls with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle paprika and shredded cheese on top.
10
Cover the casserole with the foil and freeze until solid. For longer storage, wrap the frozen casserole securely in additional foil or a freezer-safe plastic bag. Label with the dish name and date. Use within 3 months for best flavor.
11
To bake, remove the casserole from the freezer and defrost completely in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the oven rack below the casserole to catch any drips. Bake the casserole, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until it is golden and bubbling at the edges. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste of the Southwest!
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
35
Carbs
31.67
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spicy Southwest Comfort Pie?
It is a flavorful twist on a traditional shepherd's pie featuring a beef and mushroom filling with a spicy, cheesy mashed potato topping.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it contains only 7.5 grams of fat per serving by using extra lean ground sirloin and low-fat dairy options.
How many calories are in one serving of this pie?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for one pound of extra lean ground sirloin.
Which vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes chopped onion, minced garlic, shredded carrot, and sliced button mushrooms.
Can I substitute the red wine in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/3 cup of dry red wine with an additional 1/3 cup of beef broth.
What kind of potatoes should I use for the topping?
Russet potatoes are recommended for their ability to become fluffy and creamy when mashed.
How is the spice added to the potato topping?
The heat comes from adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of minced pickled jalapeno peppers into the mashed potatoes.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely; it is designed to be assembled, frozen, and baked at a later date.
How long can I store this pie in the freezer?
For the best flavor, it is recommended to use the frozen casserole within 3 months.
Do I need to thaw the pie before baking?
Yes, for best results, defrost the casserole completely in the refrigerator before putting it in the oven.
What is the baking temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the pie take to bake?
Once defrosted, it takes about 40 to 45 minutes to bake until golden and bubbling.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of shredded 2% low-fat Monterey Jack cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, it contains 1 tablespoon of unbleached all-purpose flour used as a thickener.
Can I use something other than cilantro?
Yes, you can use minced fresh flat-leaf parsley as a substitute for cilantro.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 31.67 grams of protein.
How do I prevent the pie from dripping in the oven?
Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the oven rack below the casserole to catch any potential drips during baking.
What spices are used in the beef filling?
The filling is seasoned with dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, and fresh ground pepper.
What type of milk is used for the potatoes?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 tablespoons of skim milk to achieve a creamy consistency.
Can I make this without mushrooms?
Yes, you can omit the mushrooms, though they provide extra texture and volume to the filling.
Why is tomato paste used in the recipe?
Tomato paste helps to thicken the sauce and add depth of flavor to the beef filling.
How do I prepare the casserole dish for freezing?
Line the dish with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving enough to wrap the contents, and coat the foil with cooking spray.
Is salt required in the potatoes?
The salt in the potato topping is optional and can be adjusted to your preference.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the paprika topping?
Paprika is sprinkled on top primarily for color and a subtle hint of flavor.
Should the beef be drained after cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify to drain any excess fat from the pan after browning the sirloin.
How do I know the filling is thick enough?
The filling should be simmered for about 5 minutes until it is slightly thickened before being transferred to the casserole dish.