Shepherd's Pie with a Mexican Twist

This comforting dish combines the classic heartiness of shepherd's pie with bold Mexican flavors for a tasty twist. It's perfect for a cozy dinner that brings a little spice and warmth to your table.

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TIME1 hr 30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING4.9 / 5

COOKBOOK / 4527

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Adjust servings4

2 ¼ cups peeled and cubed potatoes 1 pound ground beef 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced ½ (10 ounce) package frozen corn 3 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 cup shredded Emmentaler cheese 3 tablespoons taco sauce 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces ½ cup milk salt and ground black pepper to taste

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

01

Boil Potatoes

Start by putting the potatoes in a large pot, cover them with salted water, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low and let them simmer until they’re tender, which should take about 25 minutes.

02

Brown and Season Beef

While the potatoes are cooking, brown the ground beef in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook it until it’s crumbly and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any grease, then stir in the taco seasoning until the meat is well coated. Set it aside for now.

03

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

04

Saut Vegetables

Next, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking them until they get a little browned and soft, around 5 minutes. Add the frozen corn, a splash of water, and the tomato paste. Let everything simmer together for about 3 minutes.

05

Layer Corn and Meat

Spread the corn mixture evenly in the bottom of a shallow baking dish, then layer the seasoned meat on top.

06

Mash and layer potatoes

By now, your potatoes should be ready. Drain them well and return them to the pot. Add the Emmentaler cheese, taco sauce, and butter, then mash everything together. Pour in the milk, season with salt and pepper, and keep mashing until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Spread this mash over the meat layer.

07

Bake Until Golden

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top starts to turn golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use ground beef or turkey for a leaner option without losing flavor.
- Add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to enhance the Mexican twist.
- Make sure the mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy for the best texture on top.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines the comforting flavors of a classic shepherd's pie with bold Mexican spices. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. The mix of savory meat, creamy mashed potatoes, and a little kick makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Serving ideas

Serve with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side can add a cool, creamy contrast. Warm tortillas also pair nicely for a fun, taco-inspired meal.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the top crispy, or microwave for a quicker option. This dish also freezes well—just thaw overnight before reheating.