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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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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tina says

      December 15, 2020 at 6:46 pm

      Have had “cottage pie” in Ireland on many occasions. This healthy version isn’t the same but still delicious. Instead of zucchini I used finely chopped carrots. The mash was actually boxed cauliflower mashed potatoes with garlic then cheddar mixed it. Very good - will definitely make again. Only thing to make it better would have been a pint of Guinness!

      Reply
    2. Eric says

      November 17, 2020 at 4:10 pm

      Good recipe... I used a nut milk bag to squeeze as much water out of cauliflower then mixed it with the butter and heavy cream until thoroughly mixed ... 5 minutes, then baked in a portable oven fryer for 20 minutes at 350 degrees ... perfect texture and perfect taste5 stars

      Reply
    3. Gayle P says

      September 11, 2020 at 11:48 pm

      I used a little bbq sauce in my meat and veggies and it was awesome. My family loves it.

      Also, when I make tge cauliflower I cook it in a steamer basket and after cooking and cooling slightly I squeeze water out using towels or paper towels.5 stars

      Reply
    4. Jane R says

      August 16, 2020 at 10:12 am

      Great recipe but shepherds pie it ain’t as that would involve lamb mince (clue is in the name)! This uses beef which is a completely different thing (cottage pie).

      I used cauliflower pieces in a keto cheese sauce for the topping which was delicious - mashed cauliflower is a little too much for me and I enjoyed the texture ore (especially crisped up under the grill)!4 stars

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        August 16, 2020 at 4:17 pm

        Yes, I know this is technically cottage pie. You can use lamb if you prefer. This is mentioned in the blog post.

        Reply
    5. Kat Wilkie says

      August 03, 2020 at 10:32 pm

      OMG, this was super delicious! I didn't have tomatoes so I added celery and red pepper instead. Everyone RAVED! I'll definitely make it again! Thank you for sharing!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Sue says

      March 23, 2020 at 2:37 pm

      How many ounces or grams in a serving? Thx!

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        March 23, 2020 at 2:51 pm

        I'm sorry I don't have that information. If you have a kitchen scale you can weigh your casserole dish empty and after baking this to find that out.

        Reply
    7. Honey says

      February 27, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      Is the nutrition for 1 serving? How many servings?

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        February 28, 2020 at 4:32 am

        Yes. There are 6 servings.

        Reply
    8. Estelle says

      February 20, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Can we freeze it

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        February 21, 2020 at 2:06 pm

        Mashed cauliflower freezes ok but not great. If possible I'd suggest freezing the meat portion and then adding freshly mashed cauliflower.

        Reply
    9. mary says

      December 08, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      What kind of shredded cheese?

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        December 10, 2019 at 5:03 pm

        Completely up to you. Mozzarella will be a very mild flavor or use something more flavorful like cheddar or gruyere.

        Reply
    10. Mindy says

      November 24, 2019 at 7:40 pm

      Just made this and it is awesome!!5 stars

      Reply
    11. Matt says

      October 08, 2019 at 10:09 pm

      I doubled the recipe and it took an extra 15 minutes to brown

      Reply
    12. Angelyna says

      October 02, 2019 at 9:48 pm

      What a great recipe! I just got done eating and I’m so stuffed but want more. That’s how good it is! Thank you! #keto5 stars

      Reply
    13. Jane says

      October 01, 2019 at 5:58 pm

      I added a beef bullion cube to the hamburger mixture to make it beefier, loved it

      Reply
      • rose gallo says

        December 01, 2019 at 4:39 pm

        I love this recipe, I added some Italian sausage to it extra garlic it’s awesome , will make again

        Reply
      • Jenny says

        January 26, 2020 at 12:31 pm

        I’m going to add a cube, as well. Thanks.

        Reply
    14. Linda says

      September 22, 2019 at 11:11 am

      I have not tried it but it seems like an egg wash might help brown the cauliflower

      Reply
    15. JenM says

      August 02, 2019 at 10:57 pm

      I love this recipe! I just made it, but I couldn't get the mashed cauliflower to brown, I even left it in for an extra 5 minutes. Only the edges started to brown. Can anyone offer me what I might have missed or any tips to making it brown better?

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        August 03, 2019 at 5:30 pm

        You could put it under the broiler for a couple minutes.

        Reply
      • Liza says

        August 18, 2019 at 9:47 am

        Add some cheese

        Reply
      • Bill says

        October 31, 2019 at 8:22 pm

        put a little cheese on top and broil for 6 minutes

        Reply
      • LeanneKen says

        July 18, 2020 at 4:41 am

        I found the easiest way to brown cauliflower in the oven is to add a some real Parmesan cheese(not the stuff in the big green plastic container) the fresh stuff even the stuff that’s pre-shredded works well. It is a much drier cheese then say cheddar or mozzarella so it seems to brown a lot faster then either of those without adding a lot of fat that tends to float on top. Anyway that worked wonderful for me!
        Going to try the addition of a beef bullion cube to add a depth of flavour have to check the sodium content on those first.5 stars

        Reply
      • Mary Mathews says

        September 24, 2020 at 3:06 pm

        You certainly did mention it is 'technically' Cottage Pie in the beginning but lots of people just glaze over to the recipe. It's a great recipe!! I very much like adding Worcestershire sauce. As for the cauliflower mash, I bought a colander with very tiny fine holes. It's important to get as much liquid out of the cauliflower once cooked, (called ricing) which renders a truly creamy texture which is very close to mashed potatoes!! I use a bowl to press it in the colander to release the water. Less water should allow it to brown better, too.5 stars

        Reply
        • Taryn says

          September 24, 2020 at 4:38 pm

          Thanks for sharing your tips, Mary! I'm glad you like this recipe 🙂

    16. Nancy says

      July 23, 2019 at 7:45 am

      Has anyone tried Nthis with frozen mashed cauliflower?

      Reply
    17. Karen Teeling says

      July 16, 2019 at 11:32 am

      can I add peas, green beans and corn to this and get the same carb count?

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        July 16, 2019 at 11:43 am

        No, those all have carbs. Green beans would be the best choice.

        Reply
    18. Mark W says

      July 11, 2019 at 5:13 pm

      I'm about to prepare this but was curious why it is listed as American cuisine instead Irish or United kingdom?

      Reply
      • Taryn says

        July 11, 2019 at 9:03 pm

        Because it's not a traditional recipe, just my take on it.

        Reply
    19. Sandra Brine says

      June 23, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      This recipe is awesome. I hope it re heats well.
      thank you for the recipe I will be making the base and freezing to have on hand.5 stars

      Reply
    20. Josh says

      June 21, 2019 at 5:43 pm

      So good. I bought two of the green giant sour cream and chives mashed cauliflower. Mixed it with 1/2 pound of pre cooked bacon diced. Loaded it up with Monterrey jack cheese, like 3/4 pound. Baked for 25 min then broiled for 2 minutes to crisp it up. So much better than our old style potato/ corn/ ground beef. I also added some chili powder and basil on top before broiling. My wife hasn’t spoken to me in the last 15 minutrs due to consumption of said recipe. Lol. So good. Thank you.5 stars

      Reply
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