Geographically speaking, this slightly spicy, very cheesy, chicken, bean, corn, and mashed potato pie takes a drastic turn southwest from its origins. But hold the eye roll if you’re comparing it to the traditional version made with lamb and potatoes from the British Isles. Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie is a stellar comfort dish, worthy as an addition to your weeknight rotation. It’s filling, satisfying, and family-friendly. It’s so good. Let’s not quibble with the name.
Time-Saving Tips
The whole dish doesn’t take much prep time if you:
Don’t peel the potatoes: This is a rustic dish, and it’s covered with a blanket of cheese, so shazam! Into the pan they go with the skins.Make the filling while you boil the potatoes. Cooking the vegetables in this dish takes under 15 minutes, about the same time as the potatoes.Use leftover chicken or about half a rotisserie chicken.Buy grated cheese.
Tips to Make Ahead and Freeze Shepherd’s Pie
First, assemble the casserole (through step 5).
Refrigerate the pie covered with plastic wrap for up to three days before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You may need an extra 10 minutes if the pie is not hot enough in the center. If it browns before the center is hot, cover loosely with foil.Or freeze, covered with a double layer of plastic wrap, for up to two months. Remove from the freezer and defrost in the fridge overnight. Bake as above.
What to Serve With Tex Mex Shepherd’s Pie?
Shepherd’s pie is an all-in-one dish, but if you’re feeding a crowd or just like a little more with dinner, add any number of vegetable side dishes. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a plain green salad all work well alongside this main dish.
More Shepherd’s Pie Recipes to Enjoy
Healthy Shepherd’s Pie Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Pressure Cooker Shepherd’s Pie Easy Shepherd’s Pie
Add 2 teaspoons salt and taste; the water should taste as briny as the sea. If it doesn’t, add a few more pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with the tip of a paring knife. Drain in a colander and return to the potatoes to the pot. Set the pot over low heat and stir the potato chunks for 1 to 2 minutes to dry them. Use a sturdy whisk to stir in the milk, whisking until the potatoes are fluffy and adding more milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the potatoes seem dry. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Taste, and add more salt, if you like. Add the oregano and cumin, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the beans, corn, chicken, and salsa to the skillet. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt. Taste and add more salt, if you like.
