Green Chile Shepherd's Pie
A comforting classic with a zesty Southwestern kick. Savory ground lamb and vegetables simmered in a smoky green chile sauce, all tucked under a creamy, cheesy mashed potato crust. A perfect one-pan dinner.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping
- b.Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least an inch. Add 1 tsp of salt for boiling.
- c.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- d.Drain the potatoes completely and return them to the hot, empty pot for 1 minute to steam dry.
- e.Mash the potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or ricer. Add the butter, warm milk, 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- f.Stir gently until the butter and cheese are melted and everything is well combined. Avoid overmixing. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Lamb and Vegetables
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Heat the olive oil in a large, deep oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- d.Add the ground lamb and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat and transfer the lamb to a separate bowl.
- e.In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, until they begin to soften.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Green Chile Sauce and Combine
- b.Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- c.Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano until the vegetables are coated.
- d.Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- e.Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- f.Return the cooked lamb to the skillet. Stir in the drained green chiles and corn.
- g.Season with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Bake the Pie
- b.If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the lamb filling to a 9x13-inch or similar 2.5-quart baking dish.
- c.Carefully spoon the mashed potato topping over the hot filling, spreading it evenly to the edges to create a seal.
- d.Use the tines of a fork to create decorative peaks and valleys on the potato surface, which will help it brown nicely.
- e.Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese over the top.
- f.Place on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- g.Let the shepherd's pie rest for 10-15 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving. This allows the filling to set for cleaner slices.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use fire-roasted Hatch green chiles if they are in season.
- 2Using a potato ricer instead of a masher will yield the fluffiest, smoothest mashed potatoes.
- 3Let the pie rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set and makes for neater slices.
- 4For an extra-crispy, golden-brown crust, switch the oven to the broiler setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it very closely to prevent burning.
- 5This dish freezes well. Assemble the pie completely but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Substitution
Swap the ground lamb for ground beef to make a 'Green Chile Cottage Pie', or use ground turkey for a leaner option.
VegetarianVegetarian
Replace the ground lamb with 2 cups of cooked brown or green lentils, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Use hot green chiles instead of mild, and add 1-2 minced jalapeños or a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the filling along with the other spices.
Topping VariationTopping Variation
For a slightly sweeter and more colorful topping, use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes. Prepare them in the same way.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Ground lamb is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Source of B Vitamins
This dish provides significant amounts of B vitamins, particularly B12 from the lamb and B6 from the potatoes. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Contains Essential Minerals
Ingredients like lamb, potatoes, and vegetables contribute important minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium. These support red blood cell production, immune function, and healthy blood pressure levels.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Green Chile Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 650-700 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the lamb.