SPICY SHEPHERD’S PIE

Hi Everybody, I am April from Meals For Real.  I am a stay-at-home mom of 3, 2 boys and 1 girl, ages 7, 3, and 1.  I am not a chef but I am a mom who has to deal with the different and changing tastes of my family.  I try to make easy, (somewhat) healthy meals that will appeal to my family.  If my kids eat it then I know that dish was a success!

I am so excited to join this wonderful team and hope that I can give you some good recipes.  I get most of my meal ideas from readers like you, jumping around on food blog hops and searching the internet.  Last week I came across this recipe for Spicy Shepherd’s Pie and just knew that I had to try it.
Spicy Shepherd’s Pie adapted from Greetings from Guatemala
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
1 can black beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can corn, drained
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tsp chili powder
4 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Directions:  Brown ground beef with onion; add all ingredients except potatoes and cheese. Simmer 2-3 minutes. Pour into 9×13″ pan. Top with 1/2 cup cheese. Spread mashed potatoes over the cheese and meat mixture. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 for about 25-30 min.
-serves 8
Modifications:  I did not add the chili powder because of my 1 year old.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Peel, cut up, and boil the potatoes.  
While the potatoes cook, brown the ground beef.
Drain and rinse one can of corn and one can of black beans.
Preheat the to 350 degrees.
Once the ground beef is brown, add the corn, black beans, diced tomatoes and taco seasoning.
When the potatoes are done, mash them up.  If you need a good mashed potato recipe, I think my mom’s is the best.
Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 baking dish coated with cooking spray.
Spread half of the cheese over the mixture.
Spoon and spread the mashed potatoes over the mixture.  I left a little portion with no potatoes for me (not necessarily Weight Watchers friendly-LOL)
Put into the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes.
Here’s what you’ll end up with:
If you are running short on time, you could probably use instant mashed potatoes.  Did we like this?  Kanin (my oldest son) told me that this was “awesome” and wants to take it to school for lunch tomorrow.  I’d say that’s a pretty good endorsement!
April Westerhold

Ooh, that is a good idea. My husband, oldest kid and I like HOT too but I try to tone down the flavors for the 3yo and 1yo.

I’ll check out your meal planning. I’m always looking for stuff for my family!