Enjoy the Classic Comfort Food without the Carb Overload.
What Makes the Best Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Unique and Healthy?
🥧 It features a cauliflower topping instead of traditional potatoes, reducing the carb content while providing a rich source of vitamins and minerals. The filling is packed with protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and beef mixture, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
If you want a delicious and healthy comfort food recipe, this keto Shepherd’s pie recipe is for you. This classic dish is made with mashed potatoes, ground beef, lamb, or chicken. Still, we’ve put a keto-friendly spin on it by swapping out the potatoes for mashed cauliflower and adding some veggies for extra nutrition.
Follow this easy, step-by-step guide to make a delicious version of low-carb shepherd’s pie and master perfecting it. We want you to have fun making this recipe, so we’ll share some essential tips and ways to customize your unique spin on the dish.
Whether following a keto diet or looking for a healthier version of a classic dish, this Keto Shepherd’s Pie recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking.
Table of Contents
- What is Shepherd’s pie?
- How to Cook the Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
- Nutritional Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What is a Shepherd’s Pie?
The traditional shepherd’s pie recipe originated in the UK in the late 1700s and early 1800s as a way for farmers to use leftover meat and vegetables from their Sunday roast. The name “Shepherd’s pie” refers to the fact that it was traditionally made with ground lamb or mutton, although beef and ground chicken is more commonly used today.
Over time, recipe variations have emerged, including low-carb shepherd’s pie and keto versions that replace the mashed potato topping with alternatives like prepared cauliflower mash or turnips. These adaptations have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for ways to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing flavor and comfort.
In addition to being a delicious and comforting meal, low carb shepherd’s pie is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables and protein into your diet. With its rich history and endless variations, this dish will remain a staple in kitchens worldwide for many years.
How to Cook the Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
This section will present delicious and nutritious dishes for the whole family. The best part? They are suitable for low-carb and keto diets. We’ll show you how to make this classic dish low-carb and keto-friendly with easy tweaks and substitute ingredients that won’t compromise taste. Follow our easy-to-follow instructions to have an enjoyable and guiltless experience. Our guide will also provide hints, tricks, and tips for storing your Shepherd’s Pie so you can enjoy it all week long – from freezing to reheating.
Ingredients
Make your classic shepherd’s pie healthy using alternative ingredients like cauliflower, lean ground beef, green beans, etc. Here’s a list of ingredients and their health benefits:
- Cauliflower Mash – this low-carb, high-fiber substitute for potato masher filling is filled with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and a unique flavor that will elevate your shepherd’s pie recipe.
- Ground Lamb, beef, or any ground meat and beef broth– These two proteins are packed with essential components such as iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12. These meats provide a great source of protein necessary for tissue development and repair in the body, and they also boast an array of vitamins and minerals that can help nourish you from within.
- Vegetables: The vegetables in Shepherd’s Pie, such as onions, carrots, and peas, provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are also low in calories and can help keep you feeling full.
Complete list of ingredients:
For the topping:
- 2 large cauliflower heads
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cream cheese
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Preparation
- Before baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high flame to prepare the filling. Then, stir in ground lamb or beef and cook until golden brown while stirring with a spatula to break it into small pieces.
- Gently sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in the skillet until the onions become translucent.
- Pour the tomato paste and beef broth into the skillet, stirring until evenly distributed. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes before continuing your recipe.
- After adding the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet, allow them to cook for another 5 minutes while occasionally stirring. Finally, finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring out all that incredible flavor.
- As the filling is swiftly simmering, prepare the cauliflower topping. Chop the heads into florets and drop them in a generous pot with enough water to cover it all. Heat until boiling, then cook for 10 minutes or until they’re super soft.
- After draining the cauliflower, place it back in its pot. Pour heavy cream and butter over the top, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Use an immersion blender or potato masher to mash until a creamy consistency is achieved.
- Generously cover a 9×13-inch baking dish with the filling. Then, carefully scoop out the cauliflower mash and spread it evenly over the top of your creation. Lastly, crown your masterpiece with shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy delight.
- Roast the shepherd’s pie for 25-30 minutes or until your cheese is deliciously melted and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to cool for several minutes before serving, then remove it from the oven.
Tips for Assembling
It takes a bit of finesse to layer your keto Shepherd’s Pie perfectly, but the delightful taste and texture you get in every bite make it all worth it. Crafting your Shepherd’s Pie with even layers takes a little time, but if you adhere to the tips below, it’ll be worth the wait. Here are some ideas for perfecting your low carb keto-friendly version every single time:
- Opt for a deep baking dish or a large casserole dish to help prevent the filling from bubbling over the edges and making a mess in your oven.
- For the best results, it’s essential to spread the filling throughout your dish carefully. Ensure that each meat and vegetable layer is evenly distributed for optimal results.
- Make your mashed cauliflower layer even and eye-catching with a piping bag or ziplock. This will ensure the mashed cauliflower evenly coats your filling – perfect for any meal.
- To impart a fun texture to the mashed cauliflower layer and ensure that the cheese melts evenly, use a fork to rake its surface lightly. This technique will add visual interest and confirm your cheesy topping is perfectly distributed.
- Letting your pie cool for a few minutes after baking will guarantee maximum tastiness since it allows the filling to solidify and makes cutting & serving simpler.
Tips for Serving a Delicious Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie
After investing so much effort in preparing your low carb version of Shepherd’s Pie, it is essential to serve and store it precisely for the ultimate gastronomic experience. Here are some tips to consider:
- Give the pie a chance to relax before indulging: Let your delicious creation sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow it time to become firm, thus simplifying cutting and distributing.
- Give your dish a final flourish with fresh herbs: Top off the pie with parsley or chives for extra flavor and to make it appear more appetizing. A pinch of color and aroma can genuinely elevate any meal.
- Balance out your meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables! This will not only add nutrients and fiber but also enhance the flavor of the pie.
- Elevate your dessert with a delightful crunch! Sprinkle some toasted almond slices or crushed pork rinds on top of the pie before serving for an extra layer of texture.
- Use quality ingredients: Making your meals with fresh, high-quality ingredients can transform the flavor of a dish. Wherever you can, opt for organic and grass-fed meats and locally sourced veggies.
Nutritional Facts
Here are the approximate nutritional facts for one serving (assuming 6 servings) of the low carb shepherd’s pie recipe using the listed ingredients:
- Calories: 452
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
- Sodium: 690mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 28g
Note that these nutritional facts may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make low carb shepherd’s pie vegetarian or vegan, you can replace the meat with a plant-based protein source like tofu, tempeh, lentils, or mushrooms.
Can I Freeze Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze low carb shepherd’s pie leftovers. Let the pie cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It’s a good idea to divide the pie into individual portions before freezing to make it easier to thaw and reheat later.
When you’re ready to eat the frozen shepherd’s pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once melted, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes or until heated. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for a few minutes until hot.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Lamb or Beef in Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of lamb or beef in low carb shepherd’s pie. Ground turkey is a leaner protein source than lamb or beef, making for a lower fat and calorie version of the dish. However, remember that ground turkey has a milder flavor than lamb or beef, so you may want to add seasonings or spices to the filling to ensure that the dish has enough flavor.
When using ground turkey, you can follow the same recipe as you would for ground lamb or beef, making necessary adjustments to the cooking time and temperature as needed. The nutritional information and carb count may also vary slightly depending on the type of ground turkey you use, so be sure to check the labels and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Final Thoughts
The best low carb shepherd’s pie recipe is a delicious and healthy option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing flavor. Using ingredients like cauliflower, ground lamb or beef, and frozen peas and carrots, you can create a hearty and satisfying dish that is both low in carbs and high in nutrients. Whether following a low carb diet or simply looking for a tasty and comforting meal, this shepherd’s pie recipe will surely blow your mind with its delicious flavor and nutritional benefits.
If you want more keto and low-carb recipe ideas, check out our website for various delicious and healthy recipes like sweet potatoes in the air fryer, sugar-free teriyaki sauce, and other keto guides, such as which beans are keto-friendly, and more.