Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

The Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie is a comfort food classic with a flavorful twist. This hearty dish layers a savory mixture of chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa beneath a fluffy, golden potato crust topped with melted cheese. It's an easy-to-make meal that's sure to bring everyone to the table.

Photos of Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This recipe uses commonly found ingredients in most homes, but a few might need a special trip to the grocery store. The sharp cheddar cheese used is specific for its strong flavor, balances well with the spices. Also, the Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their buttery, rich flavor and golden color, making a delicious topping for the pie.

Ingredients for the Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie

Yukon gold potatoes: These potatoes are known for their golden color and buttery flavor. They're perfect for mashing, making them the ideal choice for the topping of this pie.

Unsalted butter: It's used to add richness to the mashed potatoes.

Milk: It's used to add creaminess to the mashed potatoes.

Sharp cheddar cheese: It's chosen for its strong flavor that balances well with the spices in this dish.

Black beans: They add a great source of protein and fiber to the dish.

Onion and garlic: These are essential aromatics that add depth of flavor.

Dried oregano and ground cumin: They give the dish its classic Tex-Mex flavor.

Frozen corn: Corn adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.

Cooked chicken: This adds protein to the dish and makes it a complete meal.

Salsa: This adds a tangy, spicy kick to your shepherd's pie.

One reader, Case Ayala says:

This tex-mex shepherd’s pie recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is absolutely delicious. The creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complement the zesty tex-mex filling. It's a crowd-pleaser and a definite hit at family gatherings. Highly recommend trying this recipe for a delightful twist on a classic dish!

Case Ayala

Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

How to prepare mashed potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and cheese until fluffy.

How to make the filling: Sauté onions and garlic, then add oregano, cumin, black beans, corn, chicken, and salsa. Mix well and season to taste.

How to assemble the shepherd's pie: Spread the filling in a baking dish, top with the mashed potatoes, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly.

How To Make Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie

This Tex-Mex-style shepherd’s pie is packed with mashed potatoes, chicken, and beans. It’s topped with cheese baked until golden and bubbly.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 30 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2½lbsYukon gold potatoes,(5 to 6 medium)
1tbspsalt,divided
4tbspunsalted butter,cut into slices
½cupmilk,or more as needed
1½cupsgrated sharp cheddar cheese
⅛tsppepper
2tbspolive oil
1medium onion,finely chopped
1large garlic clove,finely chopped
1tspdried oregano
½tspground cumin
15ozblack beans,(1 can), rinsed and drained
1cupfrozen corn
2cupscooked chicken,shredded
2cupssalsa,of choice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Have on hand a 9×13-inch or 2-quart, shallow baking dish.
Wash and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks (peeling optional). Place them in a large pot. Fill the pot with cold water until there is about 1 inch of water above the potatoes.
Add 2 teaspoons of salt and taste; the water should taste briny. 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 the potatoes to the pot. Set the pot over low heat and stir the potato chunks for 1 to 2 minutes to dry them.
Add the butter to the pot of hot, drained potatoes (still over low heat) and mash well with a potato masher until the butter melts. There may be a few lumps.
Push the potatoes to one side of the pot to make space for the milk. Add the milk and heat it until hot (this only takes a few seconds.)
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 ½ cup of the cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Taste, and add more salt, if desired.
Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened. If the onions are cooking too fast reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the oregano and cumin, and cook for 30 seconds. Add the beans, corn, chicken, and salsa to the skillet. Stir in ½ teaspoon salt. Taste and add more salt, if desired.
Transfer the filling to the baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheese.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling bubbles and the cheese is golden. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 580.56kcal
Fat: 21.50g
Saturated Fat: 10.11g
Trans Fat: 0.52g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.02g
Carbohydrates: 68.53g
Fiber: 13.21g
Sugar: 6.66g
Protein: 31.33g
Cholesterol: 68.28mg
Sodium: 876.83mg
Calcium: 300.65mg
Potassium: 1754.49mg
Iron: 4.77mg
Vitamin A: 142.37µg
Vitamin C: 31.47mg

Pro Tip for Mastering Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

When mashing the potatoes, ensure that you are using a good quality potato masher. This will help you achieve a smoother, creamier texture. If you don't have a masher, you can use a fork, but it will take a bit more effort and time. Also, remember to add the milk gradually. Adding too much at once can make your potatoes too runny. It's always easier to add more milk if needed, but you can't take it out once it's added. Lastly, don't forget to season your potatoes. Proper seasoning can elevate the flavor of your mashed potatoes significantly.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

Prepare the filling: To save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. This will cut down on the preparation time and make the recipe more convenient.

One-pot cooking: Try to cook the filling and mashed potatoes in the same pot to minimize the number of dishes to clean up afterward.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, simply layer the components in the baking dish and bake as directed.

Frozen vegetables: Substitute fresh vegetables with frozen ones to save time on chopping and preparation.

Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch of the filling and freezing the extra portion for future use. This way, you can simply thaw and assemble the shepherd's pie for a quick meal.

Substitute Ingredients For Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can add a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color to the dish, while still providing a creamy texture when mashed.
Unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a heart-healthy alternative to butter, adding a different flavor profile to the dish.
Milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a rich and creamy texture with a hint of sweetness, complementing the Tex-Mex flavors in the dish.
Sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can bring a spicy kick to the dish, enhancing the Tex-Mex flavors with its blend of hot peppers and creamy texture.
Black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can provide a similar creamy texture and earthy flavor, while adding a slightly different taste to the dish.
Frozen corn - Substitute with canned hominy: Canned hominy can offer a unique texture and flavor, adding a touch of sweetness and a satisfying bite to the dish.
Cooked chicken - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef can bring a rich and savory flavor to the dish, creating a hearty Tex-Mex twist on the classic shepherd's pie.
Salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: Diced tomatoes with green chilies can provide a similar zesty and spicy flavor, adding a kick of heat to the dish.

Presenting Your Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

Elevate the mashed potatoes: Create a smooth and creamy texture by using a potato ricer or food mill to ensure a luxurious mouthfeel.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate a drizzle of sour cream: Add a touch of richness and tanginess by drizzling a small amount of sour cream in an artistic pattern on the plate.
Utilize a ring mold for plating: Use a ring mold to create a neat and structured presentation, ensuring that the layers of the shepherd's pie are beautifully defined.
Accentuate with microgreens: Sprinkle a few delicate microgreens on top to add a touch of elegance and a subtle hint of earthy flavor.
Enhance with a salsa swirl: Create an eye-catching design by swirling a vibrant salsa around the edge of the plate, adding a burst of color and a hint of acidity.
Serve in individual ramekins: For an upscale twist, consider serving the Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie in individual ramekins, offering a personalized and sophisticated presentation.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika: Finish the dish with a light dusting of smoked paprika to impart a smoky aroma and a visually appealing touch of warmth.
Plate with precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the presentation is visually balanced and inviting.
Create a cheese lattice: Construct an intricate lattice pattern using grated cheddar cheese to add a touch of artistry and elevate the visual appeal of the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Shepherd's Pie

Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Potato masher: Used to mash the cooked potatoes for the shepherd's pie topping.
Large pot: Essential for boiling the potatoes until tender.
Colander: Used for draining the cooked potatoes after boiling.
Whisk: Used to incorporate the milk into the mashed potatoes for a fluffy texture.
Skillet: Ideal for cooking the filling with onions, garlic, beans, corn, chicken, and salsa.
Baking dish: Used for assembling and baking the shepherd's pie.

Storing and Freezing Your Tex-Mex Creation

Let the tex-mex shepherd's pie cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The shepherd's pie will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the shepherd's pie. Wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents.
Alternatively, portion the cooled shepherd's pie into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. This allows for easy reheating of single portions.
Frozen tex-mex shepherd's pie will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may experience some changes in texture and flavor.
To reheat refrigerated shepherd's pie, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
For frozen shepherd's pie, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If reheating from frozen, increase the baking time to 45-60 minutes, or until the center is hot and bubbly.
If you have portioned the shepherd's pie into individual servings, reheat them in the microwave or oven until heated through. Microwaving times will vary depending on the portion size and microwave wattage.

Reheating Leftover Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover shepherd's pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. This will help to retain moisture and prevent the top from burning. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the shepherd's pie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help to prevent the dish from drying out. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the filling and mashed potatoes halfway through to ensure even heating.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the shepherd's pie under the broiler. Preheat your broiler and place the dish on the top rack. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
If you have a lot of leftover shepherd's pie, consider reheating it in batches. This will ensure that each portion is heated evenly and thoroughly. You can also freeze individual portions for later use. To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.
For a twist on leftovers, try transforming your shepherd's pie into a new dish. Scoop the filling and mashed potatoes into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until warmed through. Crack a few eggs on top and cover the skillet until the eggs are cooked to your liking. This creates a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch dish.

Interesting Trivia About Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

The Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie recipe is a delicious fusion of Texan and Mexican flavors, combining the heartiness of traditional shepherd's pie with the zesty and spicy elements of Tex-Mex cuisine. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken and create a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family. It's also a versatile recipe that allows for customization with different types of beans, meats, and spices, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful filling, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy experimenting with this Tex-Mex twist on a classic comfort food!

Budget-Friendly Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie for Home Cooking

The Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie recipe is quite cost-effective for a household, as it utilizes simple and affordable ingredients such as potatoes, black beans, corn, and chicken. The use of versatile and budget-friendly ingredients makes it an economical choice for feeding a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is This Tex-Mex Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The tex-mex shepherd's pie recipe is a hearty and comforting dish that incorporates some healthy ingredients, such as black beans, corn, and chicken. However, it also contains a significant amount of high-fat and high-calorie components, which may not be ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

On the positive side:

Black beans are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
Corn provides dietary fiber and some essential nutrients
Chicken is a lean protein source

However, the recipe also includes:

A substantial amount of cheese, which is high in saturated fat and calories
Butter and whole milk in the mashed potatoes, adding to the overall fat content
Salsa, which may contain added sugars and sodium

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of cheese used in the mashed potatoes and as a topping, or opt for a lower-fat cheese variety
Replace some or all of the butter with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or Greek yogurt
Use skim or low-fat milk instead of whole milk in the mashed potatoes
Choose a low-sodium salsa or prepare a homemade version to control the salt content
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the filling, such as adding diced bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content and reduce the overall calorie density of the dish
Serve the shepherd's pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a more balanced meal

Editor's Opinion on This Tex-Mex Twist on a Classic

The Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy Yukon gold potato topping complements the zesty and hearty filling, creating a satisfying and comforting dish. The combination of black beans, corn, and salsa with tender chicken provides a delicious twist on the classic shepherd's pie. The use of sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich and savory element, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish. This recipe is a perfect balance of traditional and modern flavors, making it a standout choice for a memorable meal.

Enhance Your Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Whipped sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a dollop of honey butter.

Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette and grilled to perfection, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a citrus honey dressing, garnished with mint leaves for a burst of flavor.

Similar Recipes to Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

Spicy Beef Tacos: For a delicious twist on traditional tacos, try making spicy beef tacos with a homemade seasoning blend and fresh toppings.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Combine the sweet and tangy flavors of mango salsa with tender, juicy chicken for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up with a comforting bowl of butternut squash soup, seasoned with aromatic spices and finished with a drizzle of cream for added richness.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie

Appetizers:

Spicy Stuffed Jalapenos: For a fiery start to your meal, try these spicy stuffed jalapenos. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon creates a rich and savory filling that perfectly balances the heat of the jalapenos. These poppable appetizers are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Savory Spinach and Artichoke Dip: A classic crowd-pleaser, this savory spinach and artichoke dip is the perfect way to kick off any meal. The creamy, cheesy dip is packed with flavor from the garlic, parmesan, and a hint of spice. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. This decadent dessert is sure to impress your guests with its smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor.

Apple Crisp: Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp. The combination of tender, spiced apples and a crispy, buttery topping is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Tex-Mex Shepherd’s Pie Recipe:

This Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, combining the comforting elements of a traditional shepherd's pie with the bold and zesty Tex-Mex cuisine. The use of wholesome ingredients such as Yukon Gold potatoes, black beans, and corn ensures a satisfying and nutritious meal. The incorporation of salsa infuses the dish with vibrant and authentic flavors. The recipe's clear instructions and thoughtful combination of spices and cheese guarantee a delicious and reliable outcome, making it a trustworthy addition to any home cook's repertoire.

Have you tried this Tex-Mex Shepherd's Pie recipe? Let us know how it turned out and share your thoughts in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes such as russet or red potatoes if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shepherd's pie ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it, then bake it when you're ready to serve. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the shepherd's pie?

Yes, you can freeze the shepherd's pie. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can easily adjust the spiciness of the dish by using a milder or spicier salsa, or by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.