Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Mexican Shepherd's pie

I wanted to write this one down since it a big hit. I was a little nervous but went with it since Eric usually likes anything with "mexican" in the name. I adapted a recipe from Betty Crocker and it turned out great. Here's my version:

Layer 1 ~
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup chopped leeks
2 tbsp minced garlic
3 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
2 cups salsa

Layer 2 ~
11oz can shoepeg corn
4oz can diced green chiles
15 oz can olives, sliced

Layer 3 ~
Mashed potatoes, however you like to make them. Just make sure to season so they are tasty on their own. I probably used about 5-6 cups.

Layer 4 ~
8oz Tillamook Mexican blend shredded cheese

I browned and drained the hamburger and then added the leeks and garlic and cooked until the leeks were soft, before seasoning and adding the salsa. Then just layer it all in a 13x9 pan (or any 3qt casserole dish), and bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. When my time was up Eric wasn't home yet so I just turned the oven down to 200 and it was fine for another 15 minutes.

The best part about this was that I didn't have to go to the store! I had everything I needed, and I love it when that happens. Normally I would probably use onion instead of leeks but that wasn't what I had on hand this particular night, and it worked out fine. Even Seth ate some, which is always a bonus for me. I think next time I'll try to incorporate some beans in there somehow, but I haven't decided exactly how. Possibilities are endless!

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