This meaty, savory keto Shepherd's Pie Recipe is perfect to make now that Fall is almost upon us. I know that you and your whole family will enjoy this recipe. It's so delicious, even non-keto dieters will ask for seconds! This easy comfort food recipe is low carb, keto, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and Trim Healthy Mama friendly.
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Hey there! I'm Sarah from the low-carb recipe blog, Green & Keto. I serve up recipes made with keto-friendly ingredients that are fresh, vibrant, and most importantly -- super delicious.
Through my recipes, meal plans, and free guides, I'm here to show you how to live more healthfully -- while making every dish feel like a total indulgence.
I believe that good food is the key to staying on plan, and I want to help you live your most delicious life.
So, if you are looking for a hearty and comforting dinner recipe, look no further. I'm so excited to share this low-carb makeover of one of my all-time favorite casserole recipes - Shepherd's Pie.
What is in Shepherd's Pie?
Shepherd's pie is a traditional dish that most likely originated in Scotland or northern England. It was a recipe developed to use leftover pieces of roast meat. It is usually called "shepherd's pie" when made with lamb because a shepherd looks after sheep.
Shepherd's pie is traditionally made with ground lamb. However, I used ground beef in this low carb version because my family prefers it, and it is easier for me to find. This is normally called Cottage Pie. That said, if you love lamb and are able to find it in your local grocery store, please feel free to substitute it for the ground beef.
Making Keto Shepherd's Pie
Traditional shepherd's pie is a casserole made with a layer of cooked meat and vegetables in a savory gravy. Then, the meat is topped with mashed potatoes, and baked in the oven until the mashed potatoes are browned.
This keto shepherd's pie is made with mashed cauliflower topping instead of the mashed potatoes. "Cauli mash" is a great low carb or Trim Healthy Mama alternative to mashed potatoes -- and is just as delicious. I like to use cheddar cheese in my cauliflower for a boost of flavor.
What goes with Low Carb Shepherd's Pie?
This dish is almost a full meal in itself. Meat, veggies, and cauliflower mash come together to make a satisfying meal.
If you are looking to make something to accompany it, I'd suggest garlic broccoli or a simple side salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this up to 2 days ahead of time. Make the meat mixture and mashed cauliflower and assemble the keto shepherds pie casserole. When you are ready to serve it bake it as directed.
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Ingredients
Ground Beef mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small zucchini diced
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper
Cauliflower Topping
- 1 small cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Shepherd's Pie
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and sauté on medium heat until soft and translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the zucchini and tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Cauliflower Topping
- In a large pot, add cauliflower to boiling water. Boil the cauliflower until soft, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the cauliflower, allowing all steam to escape. Dry cauliflower will help make a creamier mash.
- Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor. Add the butter, cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
To Assemble
- Place the ground beef mixture in the bottom of a large casserole dish. Top with the mashed cauliflower.
- Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes and until the filling is bubbly and the topping is browned
Michelle says
I have made this so many times now, it’s such a delicious recipe, my family love it. I reduced the amount of cream and added an beef oxo cube to the meat. Thank you so much 😊
Amy Nash says
Fantastic dinner idea! Honestly, I enjoy this even when we aren't focusing on a keto diet. It's just really good, wholesome and delicious food!
wilhelmina says
My family really enjoyed this. The cauliflower works so well as a topping and you really keep that comfort food feel you want with shepherd's pie. Delicious!
Debbie says
Love this! One of my favorite Keto recipes!
Hope Banks says
I am making this recipe, because it's both low carb and gluten free. I have difficulty finding recipes that fit my dietary needs. It's in the oven and smells delicious. It will be perfect for a cold Winter's evening.
Shila L Homan says
Every time I make this I make it a little different. It always comes out good.
Barbara H. says
Looks yummy and will give it a try. FYI, my Brit friends tell me when you use beef it's a cottage pie.
Taryn says
I mention the difference between Shepherd's pie and cottage pie in the blog post. You can use any type of ground meat you like.
David the cook says
he term cottage pie was in use by 1791.[3][5]
The term shepherd's pie did not appear until 1854,[3] and was initially used synonymously with cottage pie, regardless of whether the meat was beef or mutton. pie is traditionally beef here
Jacqueline says
Can I add peas and carrots to the recipe?
Taryn says
Sure. It will increase the net carbs a bit but if that is ok go for it. I do use some peas and carrots in my low carb chicken pot pie.
Cheryl Jones says
I steamed the cauliflower which not only leaves more nutrients but also more flavor in the cauliflower. I didn’t make the recipe for Keto but for a diabetic with heart disease. I used heart healthy cream of mushroom soup, portobello mushrooms and sodium free beef broth instead of heavy cream.
The cauliflower was excellent (no cheese) but overall the dish was outstanding.
I’ll follow the recipe next time with tomatoes and zucchini as I think it will be really good too.
Cara Snover says
do you think I could use frozen cauliflower rice instead of fresh?
Taryn says
Yes, that would be fine.
Fran says
Mine is in the oven as I write this. I’m an experienced enough cook to know this is gonna be amazing. I just want to say thank you - I have been looking for Keto comfort food and this flips the bill nicely. Made it close to your recipe for my first run, but can’t wait to tinker with it! Isn’t that the real “joy of cooking”? 🙂❤️
Shila Homan says
I didn't realize that I should have squeezed the water out of cauliflower I'm new at this keto stuff.
Dana says
Well it depends on how you cook the cauliflower and how wet it is. If you steam it, there is minimal moisture and why I've switched to always steaming it. It also keeps more nutrients in the food and less in the water! The recipe mentioned water will make it moister for that reason.
Jerri Davis says
This is probably my favorite keto meal to date and I have been on keto over 2 years! Thank you for posting!