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.

Taste of Home