Taco Shepherd’s Pie

This family-friendly recipe is a fun mash-up of potato-topped shepherd’s pie and Tex-Mex cuisine. Technically, it’s closer to a cottage pie since it’s made with ground beef (traditional shepherd’s pie is made ground lamb). The distinction is more common in Europe, but it’s a neat culinary tidbit to know!

The bold and flavorful meat filling comes together quickly with the help of canned diced tomatoes, Mexicorn, olives and a packet of taco seasoning. We recommend using instant mashed potatoes for the topping to keep things easy, but homemade mash works beautifully if you have the time. Finish it with a generous layer of cheese, bake it until it’s bubbly, and dig into a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Taco Shepherd’s Pie

• Instant mashed potatoes: Mashed potato flakes are a speedy shortcut to making the classic creamy topping for our shepherd’s pie. You can also swap in reheated leftover or homemade mashed potatoes (you’ll need 4-1/2 cups to cover the casserole).
• Ground beef: Choose 85% lean ground beef for a flavorful filling that isn’t too greasy. Beef is a common choice for shepherd’s pie, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or ground lamb for a traditional option.
• Onion: Yellow onions are milder than white or red varieties, and are perfect for adding depth to ground beef dishes.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Regular diced tomatoes work fine, but fire-roasted ones will bring deeper, smokier flavor to the beef layer. Add the tomatoes and their juices to keep the meat filling moist and saucy.
• Mexicorn: Also called fiesta corn or southwest corn, this sweet corn and pepper combo adds texture and subtle heat. If you prefer a spicy kick, look for a variety that includes poblano or jalapeno peppers.
• Olives: Sliced black olives add a salty flavor that pairs well with the taco meat, just like they do on nachos. If you prefer a briny punch, use a jar of sliced green olives.
• Seasoning: A packet of store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but it’s just as easy to make your own blend using pantry staples. Adding a little extra chili and garlic powder (both key spices in taco seasoning) boosts the warming flavor.
• Cheese: We tie the meat filling and mashed potatoes together with plenty of melty cheese. This recipe calls for shredded cheddar, but Mexican blend or pepper jack would be equally tasty.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the mashed potatoes

Prepare the instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions. Set them aside.

Editor’s Tip: Stir in a handful of fresh chopped herbs or sprinkle in some garlic powder to make instant mashed potatoes taste homemade.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the canned ingredients and seasoning

Stir the diced tomatoes, corn, olives, taco seasoning, chili powder, salt and garlic powder into the ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for one to two minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Layer meat with cheese and potatoes

Transfer the meat mixture to a greased 2-1/2-quart baking dish.

Top it with 3/4 cup of shredded cheese. Evenly spread the prepared mashed potatoes over the cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the potatoes.

Step 5: Bake the taco shepherd’s pie

Bake the shepherd’s pie, uncovered, at 350ºF for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Recipe Variations

• Increase the veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies by sauteing diced mushrooms, zucchini or bell peppers with the ground beef.
• Add beans: For extra protein, fiber and texture, stir a can of drained black beans or pinto beans into the ground beef mixture.
• Make it creamy: Add 1/2 cup of sour cream to the meat and veggie mixture for a richer mouthfeel. Just add it off the heat, otherwise the sour cream can separate.
• Serve it with toppings: No taco dish is complete without fresh toppings. Finish the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, diced tomatoes, jalapenos or your favorite taco toppings.
• Go meatless: Turn this into a vegetarian casserole by substituting plant-based meat crumbles, canned beans, mushrooms or extra vegetables for the ground beef.
• Change the topping: Substitute the mashed potato topping with cornbread or biscuit batter, similar to this beef taco pie recipe, or try a thawed frozen pie crust. Just adjust the baking time to allow the dough to bake through.
• Switch the protein: Swap shredded rotisserie chicken, ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef to make a leaner dish.

How to Store Taco Shepherd’s Pie

Let the dish cool, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store leftover taco shepherd’s pie in the refrigerator for three to four days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the baking dish in a 350° oven until it’s warmed through.

Can you freeze taco shepherd’s pie?

Yes, taco shepherd’s pie freezes well. To freeze the casserole after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in storage wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to three months, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating it. You can also freeze just the cooked and cooled meat mixture. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge, reheat it on the stovetop, then layer it with freshly prepared mashed potatoes and cheese before baking the pie.

Can you make taco shepherd’s pie ahead of time?

Yes, taco shepherd’s pie is a great make-ahead meal. Cook the ground beef and layer the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover the baking dish tightly with storage wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the taco shepherd’s pie, let the dish sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake it as directed.

Taco Shepherd’s Pie Tips

Can I top taco shepherd’s pie with something other than mashed potatoes?

There are many tasty alternatives to mashed potatoes when it comes to topping this taco shepherd’s pie. Try frozen Tater Tots for crispiness, low-carb cauliflower mash or a prepared box of cornbread mix (pour the batter on top for a sweet and tender crust). You could layer refrigerated biscuit dough or an unbaked pie crust on top of the meat mixture for more of a pot pie feel. Just be aware that you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure your topping cooks through.

Can I use this recipe to make individual taco shepherd’s pies?

Sure! To make mini taco shepherd’s pies, divide the meat mixture into individual ramekins and top each with cheese and mashed potatoes, then bake as directed. You could also line muffin tins with tortillas or refrigerated biscuit dough and top them with filling and potatoes, similar to these mini shepherd’s pies.

What can you serve with taco shepherd’s pie?

This taco shepherd’s pie is a filling meal by itself, but you can pair it with a crisp green salad, Instant Pot black beans, simple steamed veggies or crunchy Mexican coleslaw. You can also serve it with fresh toppings, like sour cream, avocado, green onions or your favorite salsa.