Having grown up in Texas, I have a special love for Tex-Mex gastronomy. Simple dishes like Tex-Mex lettuce wraps and Southwestern shepherd’s pie appear regularly on our family menu. A delicious twist on the classic shepherd’s pie recipe.
It’s similar to taco casserole but with a creamy potato topping. You can also make this easy Southwest Shepherd’s Pie recipe ahead and pop it in the oven for an easy dinner. Toppings can be customized, but cilantro and chopped jalapenos are some of our favorites.
Southwest Shepherd Pie Ingredients
This recipe uses a variety of Southwestern-style ingredients. Instead of the traditional carrots, celery, and peas, use zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The spices are also upgraded with spicy oregano and chili powder, savory cumin, and smoky paprika.
You can also choose your favorite potatoes as a topping. I like to use russet potatoes because they are more starchy and have a nice texture. Creamy yellow or red potatoes also work well. Or switch gears and try the Southwestern Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie with orange or white sweet potatoes.
For the meat, we use grass-fed ground beef. It has a better nutritional profile than grain-fed beef (plus it’s healthier overall). I also like to cook a big batch of ground beef early in the week to make meal prep easier. You can also use ground chicken or ground turkey if you like.
Why we love Southwest Shepherd’s Pie
Besides the delicious taste, I love that this recipe contains 21 grams of protein per serving. It’s cozy and satisfying when you want something warm for dinner on a cold night. Even though it requires a few steps, it’s done fairly quickly, with just 20 minutes of preparation time.
Sometimes I make a double batch and freeze some for later. Simply place the fully cooled casserole in the freezer (in a freezer-safe container). When you’re ready to reheat, let it thaw and then place it in the oven until warmed through and bubbly. Southwest Shepherd’s Pie tastes even better the next day if you have leftovers. This will give the ingredients more time to melt.
Here’s how to make it!
Southwest Shepherd’s Pie
For topping
- 2 medium potatoes of choice (Peeled and finely chopped)
- 2 TBSP grass fed butter (or avocado oil)
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of your choice)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt gustation
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, almond milk, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
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Place meat in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini and sauté until soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
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Stir in the spices, tomatoes, and black beans. If the mixture seems dry, add stock and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Transfer filling to a greased 9×9 or medium casserole dish. Spread mashed potato mixture evenly over top.
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Bake until bubbly and lightly golden on top, 20 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Southwest Shepherd’s Pie
Amount per serving (per serving)
calorie 298
calories from fat 108
% Daily Value*
province 12g18%
6g saturated fat38%
1g trans fat
1g polyunsaturated fat
4g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 59mg20%
sodium 480 mg21%
potassium 793mg23%
carbohydrate 27g9%
5 grams of fiber21%
4g sugar4%
protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 1324IU26%
Vitamin C 35mg42%
calcium 79mg8%
steel 4mg22%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Top and serve: Garnish with cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Use whatever potatoes you like here. Russets, sweet potatoes, and white sweet potatoes are all good choices!
Customize your toppings
My kids love choosing their own toppings when I make these. You can also make topping bars (kind of like taco bars). Have a few options on the table for your family to choose from, so everyone can tailor their tastes to their liking. Here are some ideas:
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- pickled onions
- chopped cilantro
- chopped bacon pieces
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Add cheese
- sliced black olives
- Chopped jalapeno or poblano peppers
What is your favorite casserole style dish? Let us know by leaving a comment!
