Taco Shepherd’s Pie
All the taco fixings tucked into a cozy, 90-minute casserole with seasoned Ground Beef and black beans topped with cheesy, chile-studded mashed potatoes and baked until golden. Spoon on fresh avocado, tomato, and cilantro for a weeknight dinner the whole family will ask for again.
Recipe Courtesy Of:
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients: 18
Ingredients
Avocado & Tomato Topping
Preparation
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Step 1
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
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Step 2
Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with 1-inch water. Stir in 1 tsp. salt and bring to a boil over HIGH heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Step 3
While potatoes are cooking, heat a separate large non-stick skillet over MEDIUM heat until hot. Add Ground Beef and cook 8-10 minutes, breaking beef into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Add garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute. Drain, sprinkle in the taco seasoning, add salsa and stir to combine. Cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. Remove from heat and gently stir in black beans.
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Step 4
Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash potatoes until smooth. Add butter, milk, green chilies and 2/3 cup of cheese. Stir until well combined, cover and set aside.
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Step 5
Transfer meat mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and spread out evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading to an even layer all the way to the edges; sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake for 30-40 minutes until beginning to turn brown.
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Step 6
While pie is baking, place the diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and lime juice in a medium bowl, season with salt and pepper, stir to combine. Top each serving with a big scoop of avocado and tomato mixture.
Nutrition Information
419 Calories
10.5g SAT FAT
26g PROTEIN
3.5 mg IRON
5.2 mg ZINC
* Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet
The Essential Ingredients
Ground Beef: Also called ‘hamburger,’ is made by grinding beef cuts and beef trim. It works well in dishes that require crumbles, and typically any leanness of Ground Beef works well in dishes – just be sure to drain any remaining fat after cooking.
Mashed Potatoes: Classic comfort food made by boiling potatoes and mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Great as a side with beef dishes.
Taco Seasoning: A convenient way to season beef. These pre-made packets often contain chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Store-bought versions tend to be milder than spicy.
Butter: Does it need an introduction? A rich, creamy product made by churning heavy cream until the fat separates from the buttermilk. Comes in both salted and unsalted varieties that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Garlic: A flavorful bulb that is related to the onion family. It has a strong aroma (that fills your kitchen), a taste that enhances your dish, and is known for its versatility.
Safe Handling Tips:
- Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat.
- Separate raw meat from other foods.
- Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat.
- Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods.
- Wash all produce prior to use.
- Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips.
For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use a different type of potato instead of russet potatoes for the mash?
Yes. You can substitute russet potatoes with an equal weight of Yukon Gold potatoes or sweet potatoes. Yukon Golds will provide a naturally richer, creamier texture that blends smoothly with the green chilies and cheese, while sweet potatoes offer a distinct sweet contrast that pairs exceptionally well with the spicy taco seasoning.
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How do you prevent the mashed potato topping from sinking into the beef filling?
To prevent the topping from sinking, ensure the seasoned beef, salsa, and bean mixture has simmered long enough to thicken and lose excess liquid before layering. Additionally, let the meat cool slightly in the baking dish to form a stable base, and spread the mashed potatoes gently starting from the outer edges of the dish toward the center.
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What can I substitute for the black beans in this taco shepherd's pie?
If you want to replace the canned black beans, swap them using a 1:1 ratio with pinto beans or red kidney beans. For a completely bean-free alternative, replace the beans with an equal volume of sweet whole-kernel corn, diced bell peppers, or simply omit them entirely without affecting the structural base of the meat layer.
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While not the healthiest meal (too much saturated fat) it's damn tasty. The black beans certainly add a healthy touch. I usually diet for a couple of days before I make this delicious recipe.
No beans