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    Home » Main Dish Recipes » Casseroles » Keto Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower Topping

    Keto Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower Topping

    Gluten & Grain Free RecipesLow Carb & Keto RecipesTrim Healthy Mama Recipes

    Published: Aug 16, 2018 by SarahCarothers

    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
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    pinterest image for shepherd's pie
    pinterest image for shepherd's pie with cauliflower topping

    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.

    hand holding spoon lifting serving of keto Shepherd's pie onto white plate

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    Free Guide! Feed a Family on a Low Carb Diet

    In this free 5-day email series learn all my tips for incorporating a low-carb lifestyle into the life of your family.

    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.

    large white casserole dish of Shepherd's Pie topped with a Cauliflower topping

    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.

    overhead view of a Shepherd's pie topped with a cauliflower topping before baking

    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.

    overhead view of the baked casserole with large spoonful removed

    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.

    white plate of keto Shepherd's pie serving next to large casserole dish on a wooden cutting board of remaining Shepherd's pie

     

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    hand holding spoon lifting serving of Shepherd's pie onto white plate

    Keto Shepherd's Pie

    A hearty and comforting low-carb makeover of one of my all-time favorite casserole recipes - Shepherd’s Pie.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Course: casserole
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 379
    Author: Taryn

    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
    US Customary - Metric
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    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

    Notes

    Nutrition: This nutrition table is based on 6 servings. This recipe has 6 NET carbs per serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 379 | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 219mg | Potassium: 554mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 30.2mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 2.3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @joyfilledeats or tag #joyfilledeats!
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    Comments

    1. Amy Nash says

      April 11, 2022 at 1:21 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    2. wilhelmina says

      April 11, 2022 at 12:44 pm

      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!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Debbie says

      January 15, 2022 at 1:43 pm

      Love this! One of my favorite Keto recipes!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Hope Banks says

      January 08, 2022 at 6:20 pm

      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.

      Reply
    5. Shila L Homan says

      October 13, 2021 at 7:15 pm

      Every time I make this I make it a little different. It always comes out good.

      Reply
    6. Barbara H. says

      September 28, 2021 at 10:58 pm

      Looks yummy and will give it a try. FYI, my Brit friends tell me when you use beef it's a cottage pie.

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        September 29, 2021 at 11:41 am

        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.

        Reply
      • David the cook says

        January 05, 2022 at 6:41 pm

        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

        Reply
      • Jacqueline says

        February 10, 2022 at 3:39 am

        Can I add peas and carrots to the recipe?

        Reply
        • Taryn says

          February 10, 2022 at 10:07 am

          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.

    7. Cheryl Jones says

      August 19, 2021 at 12:28 am

      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.

      Reply
    8. Cara Snover says

      May 27, 2021 at 2:18 pm

      do you think I could use frozen cauliflower rice instead of fresh?

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        May 27, 2021 at 3:15 pm

        Yes, that would be fine.

        Reply
    9. Fran says

      March 02, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      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”? 🙂❤️5 stars

      Reply
    10. Shila Homan says

      February 08, 2021 at 7:06 pm

      I didn't realize that I should have squeezed the water out of cauliflower I'm new at this keto stuff.4 stars

      Reply
      • Dana says

        June 07, 2021 at 9:30 pm

        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.

        Reply
    11. Jerri Davis says

      January 18, 2021 at 7:11 pm

      This is probably my favorite keto meal to date and I have been on keto over 2 years! Thank you for posting!5 stars

      Reply
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