Description
Mexican shepherd’s pie elevates classic comfort food with seasoned ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes. Hearty layers of savory meat and smooth potato topping create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for richness or 90/10 for a leaner option)
- 3 medium potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet preferred)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, carefully arranging diced potatoes to create an even layer for uniform browning.
- Sauté potatoes until they develop a golden crisp exterior and become fork-tender, approximately 10 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, introduce ground beef and break it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic qualities for 2-3 minutes.
- Enhance the meat mixture with a robust blend of seasonings: smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently fold the previously cooked golden potatoes back into the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring every ingredient is evenly distributed and thoroughly combined.
- Complete the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions as a vibrant garnish, and optionally top with shredded cheese for added richness.
Notes
- Always use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent potatoes from sticking and ensure even browning.
- Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the dish.
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor and juiciness.
- Try different spice combinations like smoked paprika, adding chipotle powder for extra smoky heat or using dried herbs like thyme for depth.
- For low-carb variations, substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to create a similar satisfying texture.
- Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to create a lighter, healthier version of the recipe without sacrificing taste.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure everything cooks smoothly and efficiently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg