Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This low-carb shepherd’s pie is not only healthy and satisfying but also an excellent way to enjoy a comforting meal while sticking to your dietary goals. With its rich flavors and creamy cauliflower topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

When you think of comfort food, shepherd’s pie likely comes to mind—its rich, hearty filling of seasoned meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

However, if you’re looking to maintain a healthy diet while still enjoying your favorite dishes, this low-carb shepherd’s pie recipe is the perfect solution.

With a cauliflower topping instead of potatoes, this recipe delivers all the comfort of the classic dish while cutting down on carbs and calories.

Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or lamb, for a more traditional shepherd’s pie)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the cauliflower topping:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower topping

Start by preparing the cauliflower for the topping. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are very tender. Drain the cauliflower thoroughly, pressing out any excess water to avoid a watery topping.

Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor or use an immersion blender to mash it until smooth. Add the butter, heavy cream (or coconut milk), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend again until the mixture is creamy and well combined. If you like, you can add garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. For a richer topping, stir in Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Cook the filling

While the cauliflower is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Then, add the garlic and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.

Next, add the ground meat to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, browning the meat evenly. Once the meat is cooked through, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broth has reduced and the mixture is thickened. Stir in the peas, and remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the shepherd’s pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Spoon the meat and vegetable filling into the dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Then, top the filling with the creamy mashed cauliflower, spreading it evenly over the top. Use a spatula to smooth the cauliflower, or for a more rustic look, create small peaks with the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Bake the pie

Place the shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. If you like, you can broil the top for an additional 2-3 minutes to get it extra crispy. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

While this low-carb shepherd’s pie recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for lentils or a mix of chopped mushrooms and eggplant for a plant-based version. You can also add more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach, for added nutrition.
  • Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with coconut milk. Skip the Parmesan on top for a completely dairy-free dish.
  • Spicy Version: Add a bit of heat by stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño into the meat filling. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the cauliflower mash for extra flavor.

How to Serve

This low-carb shepherd’s pie makes for a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be served with a light side salad or roasted vegetables.

For a more substantial meal, pair it with a low-carb cauliflower rice or steamed green beans. If you’re hosting guests, consider serving this dish with a glass of dry red wine, which complements the savory flavors of the pie.

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