Mashed Potato and Picadillo Pie

At first glance this looks like a Shepherd’s Pie and maybe it is…but with a twist. The traditional Shepherd’s Pie consists of ground lamb. This one is made with ground beef. I guess you could call it the Poor Man’s Shepherd’s Pie. The ground beef is cooked with diced onion, diced tomatoes, garlic, green chile, and spices to your heart’s content.

Of course it is still topped with a thick layer of mashed potatoes flavored with butter, cream, salt and pepper. On top of the potatoes sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese, or whichever cheese suits your fancy.

After layering the picadillo (ground meat mixture), the potatoes and the shredded cheese, bake in a 350-degree oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are slightly browned and the cheese is melted. Make some Pico de Gallo and top it off when it comes out of the oven. This is not a heavy dish, but rather a hardy one and inexpensive. Enjoy.

Pico de Gallo

4 medium tomatoes, chopped
6 green onions, chopped with some of the tops
2 to 3 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Blend all ingredients and stir well. Chill before serving. Makes 2 cups.

Simple Picadillo

1-pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
½ cup diced tomatoes
½ cup green chile, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
half a packet of taco seasoning
Salt, pepper, garlic, cumin to taste

Brown ground beef until no longer pink. Add remaining ingredients and continue cooking until onion and celery are soft.