Beef Salpicon Western-Style
Western-style beef salpicon featuring savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/3 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (11 oz.) can Niblets golden corn, drained ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons margarine
- 3/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 cups Hungry Jack mashed potato mix ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess grease.
- Add tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir well.
- Prepare mashed potatoes according to package instructions using water, margarine, and milk; mix thoroughly.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle drained corn over the meat mixture.
- Spread chopped green chiles over the corn.
- Top with the prepared mashed potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped tomato on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream to the mashed potatoes. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce if desired. If you want a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture. This dish can be easily customized with leftover vegetables or alternative cheese varieties.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Beef Salpicon Western-Style with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Diggity Dog Sauce for an extra kick. If you're looking for sides, consider cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavors. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Salpicon Western-Style contains roughly 896 calories, with 16g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1814mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a mix of your favorites. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor to the dish. If you prefer a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese varieties to cut down on calories without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and mashed potatoes in advance. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
Pair this Beef Salpicon with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it with a side of tortilla chips or bread for added texture. If you enjoy Mexican flavors, a side of guacamole or salsa could complement the dish nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).