Southwest Shepherd'S Pie
Southwest Shepherd's Pie combines hearty ground beef, kidney beans, corn, and spicy green chilies topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This comforting dish offers bold flavors with a southwestern twist, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 c. packaged instant mashed potatoes ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 3/4 c. skim milk ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can low-fat condensed cream of tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can no-salt-added whole-kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chili peppers, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is brown and the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package directions, using 2 cups water and 3/4 cup skim milk, and omit butter or margarine and salt.
- Place cooked meat mixture in a colander and rinse under hot water.
- Drain well and wipe the skillet with a paper towel.
- Return meat mixture to the skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in kidney beans, cream of tomato soup, drained corn, chopped green chilies, 1/4 cup water, ground cumin, and salt.
- Heat through for about 7 minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Drop the prepared mashed potatoes in mounds on top of the meat mixture or spread evenly over it.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot.
- Sprinkle with cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes before spreading them on top. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you're looking for a lighter option. If you prefer more spice, include some jalapeños or hot sauce in the meat mixture. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using lentils instead of meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southwest Shepherd's Pie with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Delightful Dill Bread Boat for a complete meal. For a more robust meal, consider serving it alongside a spicy corn salad or some roasted vegetables. This dish is great for meal prep, providing hearty leftovers for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Shepherd'S Pie contains roughly 1718 calories, with 66g protein, 231g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (203% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1100mg per serving (48% 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 make this shepherd's pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for kidney beans?
If you don't have kidney beans on hand, black beans or pinto beans work well as substitutes in this recipe. They will provide similar texture and flavor, while adding a different twist to the dish. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the meat mixture.
Is it possible to freeze Southwest Shepherd's Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled shepherd's pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy days.
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).