Ultimate Whole30 Roasted Green Chile Shepherd’s Pie (Pastel de Papa) – A Spicy Comfort Food Classic

Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa (Shepherd’s Pie) is a Whole30 compliant, exceptionally hearty, and complete meal. It features a luscious layer of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes crowning a deliciously spicy and savory mixture of ground beef and vibrant green chiles.

There are days when only a generous serving of mashed potatoes will do. That rich, fluffy, and undeniably creamy texture is pure comfort, isn’t it? The other day, I was hit with just such a craving. But a massive bowl of mashed potatoes, while heavenly, doesn’t quite constitute a complete, balanced meal in itself.

So, the culinary quest began. I started rummaging through my refrigerator, hoping for a spark of inspiration. My eyes quickly landed on a bag of perfectly roasted green chiles—their earthy, smoky aroma already promising an exciting addition. Next, a pound of ground beef presented itself as a versatile base. Despite these promising ingredients, a clear vision for the meal remained elusive.

As often happens when I’m facing a “cooking-block” (think writer’s block, but for recipes!), I turned to Pinterest, the endless wellspring of gastronomic ideas. A simple search for “mashed potatoes and ground beef” brought forth a delightful deluge of recipes: classic cottage pies, traditional shepherd’s pies, and the Latin American-inspired pastel de papa. Each looked delicious, but none seemed to incorporate the star ingredient I was now determined to use: those fantastic roasted green chiles.

Initially, I feared my quest for a unique and satisfying meal would be a bust. But then, a thought struck me: “Why not create my own recipe?” This approach offered the perfect solution, allowing me to not only integrate the exact ingredients I desired but also potentially stumble upon a new, blog-worthy dish. I envisioned a fusion of a beloved comfort food classic with the vibrant, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, all while adhering to healthy, Whole30 guidelines.

And so, I embarked on my culinary adventure, infusing the dish with my signature Mexican-cooking flair and a wholesome, Whole30-friendly twist. The result? This absolutely fabulous Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa, a spicy and hearty Shepherd’s Pie that exceeded all my expectations. It’s truly a celebration of flavor, comfort, and wholesome ingredients.

Crafting Your Perfect Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa (Shepherd’s Pie)

Creating this flavorful and hearty dish involves two main components: the rich, creamy mashed potato topping and the robust, spicy ground beef filling. Each step is straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome for home cooks of all skill levels.

The Creamy Mashed Potato Topping

The foundation of any great shepherd’s pie is a velvety layer of mashed potatoes. For this recipe, we opt for russet potatoes, known for their starchy texture that yields incredibly fluffy results perfect for mashing. Begin by thoroughly washing, peeling, and cutting 3-4 medium russet potatoes into quarters. Placing them in cold water before bringing to a boil ensures they cook evenly throughout.

Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, allowing the potatoes to cook until they are fork-tender. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes. Once tender, drain the water completely and transfer the cooked potatoes to a large mixing bowl. The key to creamy Whole30-compliant mashed potatoes lies in the right additions. Incorporate 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter, a fantastic dairy-free option), ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. For the silkiest texture, use a sturdy potato masher (like this one), or for an extra-creamy, lump-free mash, an immersion blender or hand mixer works wonders. Gradually add more almond milk, a tablespoon at a time from the remaining half cup, until you achieve your desired smooth and creamy consistency. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; a little extra salt or pepper can really bring out the flavors.

The Hearty Ground Beef and Green Chile Filling

Now, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show: the savory, spicy filling that lies beneath the potato cloud. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) as you prepare the filling.

Using the same pot you boiled the potatoes in (less cleanup is always a win!), return it to the stove and set the heat to medium. Add one pound of your preferred ground beef. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is still slightly pink, it’s time to introduce the aromatic vegetables. Add ¼ diced white onion, 2 finely diced garlic cloves, and 2 diced carrots. These vegetables will soften and sweeten, providing a foundational layer of flavor. Season generously with 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper (or adjust to your personal preference), and ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin, which adds an authentic depth to the Mexican-inspired profile. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to tenderize.

The secret weapon for this pastel de papa is, of course, the roasted green chiles. Peel and dice 3-4 roasted green chiles. Varieties like Anaheim, Pueblo, or Hatch chiles work perfectly, each offering a distinct level of heat and flavor. For a milder dish, simply remove the seeds and veins from the chiles when dicing them. However, if you, like us, cherish a good kick of spice, feel free to leave the seeds and veins intact. For an even more intense heat, I recommend adding an extra diced jalapeño, which truly elevates the spice factor.

After adding the chiles (and optional jalapeño), continue to cook the mixture for another 4-5 minutes, ensuring the meat is fully cooked through and the carrots are slightly tender but still have a bit of bite. Always taste the filling before moving on; adjust the salt and pepper as needed to perfect the seasoning. A well-seasoned filling is crucial for a truly exceptional shepherd’s pie.

Assembly and Baking for Perfection

With both components ready, it’s time to bring this masterpiece together. Transfer the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture to a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 2.5 quarts). Spread the filling evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a solid, flavorful base. Next, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes generously over the top of the meat mixture. Carefully spread the potatoes to form an even layer, ensuring all the delicious filling is covered. This top layer of potatoes will become beautifully golden and slightly crisp during baking.

Bake the assembled Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. During the last 3-4 minutes of baking, you can switch your oven to the broil setting (keep a close eye on it!) to achieve a lovely golden-brown crust on the mashed potatoes, adding an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.

Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into generous slices. This allows the pie to set, making it easier to serve. Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa is a wonderfully hearty and complete meal on its own, packed with protein, vegetables, and comforting potatoes. For a lighter touch or added freshness, it’s also fantastic served alongside a crisp, fresh green salad. This dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any occasion that calls for comforting, flavorful food with a kick.

I genuinely hope you enjoy this unique and satisfying twist on a classic comfort food. It’s a recipe born from a craving and perfected with a love for bold, wholesome flavors!

Please leave me a comment below if you make this or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina. Your feedback and photos truly make my day!

Looking for more delicious Whole30 green chile dishes? Click here for my Amazing Pork Green Chile with Spinach.

If you’re a fan of creative potato dishes, explore a different meal involving mashed potato patties and green chile by clicking here.

For another fantastic Whole30 option, the official Whole30 book features a beloved sweet potato shepherd’s pie. Click here for a similar recipe that captures its essence.

Recipe

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