Keto Shepherd Pie Recipe: A Hearty, Low-Carb Comfort Food
Want to stick to your keto diet but still have a want for a traditional, homey dish? You don’t need to search any farther. Without the carbohydrates, this Keto Shepherds Pie recipe retains all the comfort and taste of the classic dish. We’ll be using cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes to create a creamy, low-carb alternative that tastes just as good. This dish is guaranteed to become a favorite whether you’re cooking for your family or meal planning for the coming week.
What You’ll Need: Essential Tools for Keto Shepherd’s Pie
Before we start cooking, gather all the tools you’ll need. Here’s a list of the essential items:
Kitchen Tools:
1. Large Skillet or Frying Pan – For cooking the meat and vegetable filling.
2. Medium Pot – To boil the cauliflower for the mash topping.
3. Potato Masher or Hand Blender – To mash the cauliflower into a smooth consistency.
4. Baking Dish – A medium-sized casserole or 9×9-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
5. Measuring Spoons and Cups – For accurate ingredient measurements.
6. Spatula – For stirring and spreading the filling and topping.
7. Knife and Cutting Board – To chop vegetables and cauliflower.
8. Colander – For draining the cauliflower once it’s boiled.
Ingredients:
For the meat filling:
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb for a traditional option)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup carrots (diced, optional for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup peas (optional, but can be added if you’re not too strict on carbs)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos for a low-carb version)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the filling)
For the cauliflower topping:
• 1 large head of cauliflower (or 1 bag of pre-chopped cauliflower)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Keto Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Now, let’s dive into making this flavorful and comforting Keto Shepherd’s Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Topping
Cut the cauliflower into florets first. In a large saucepan of salted water, bring the cauliflower to a boil for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it is fork-tender.
Return the cauliflower to the saucepan after draining it in a colander. To allow extra moisture to evaporate, let it sit for a few minutes.
To achieve a smooth, creamy texture after drying, mash the cauliflower with a potato masher or a hand mixer.
Add butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This combination should be put aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat while the cauliflower cooks.
Add the chopped onion and simmer for 3–4 minutes, or until it is tender and transparent.
Cook the garlic for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.
Using a spatula, break up the ground beef (or lamb) while it cooks until it turns brown.
Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens a little.
Add salt, pepper, and dried thyme for seasoning. At this stage, stir in the peas and carrots if using. Cook until the filling thickens and the vegetables are soft.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C.
Evenly distribute the meat mixture in the baking dish’s bottom.
Using a spatula, evenly distribute the creamy cauliflower mash over the meat filling after carefully spooning it over.
Optional: For a cheesy crust, top the cauliflower mash with cheddar cheese; this adds a terrific taste and texture.
The shepherd’s pie should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy.
After baking, remove your Keto Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Cut into slices and serve. This dish goes very well with roasted veggies or a side salad.
Total Time Duration:
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
FAQs About Keto Shepherd’s Pie
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Indeed! You can use ground chicken or turkey in place of the beef if you’d rather have something leaner. Just make sure to season it thoroughly to preserve the flavor of the filling.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Of course! When it comes to meal planning, keto shepherd’s pie is ideal. It can be prepared a day in advance, kept in the refrigerator, and baked when you’re ready to eat. It can also be frozen for one to two months. Before putting it in an airtight container, make sure it has cooled fully.
3. What can I use instead of cauliflower?
If cauliflower isn’t your thing, you can substitute turnips or rutabaga for the cauliflower. Both can produce a comparable mouthfeel and are low in carbohydrates.
4. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can! You can add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that some vegetables may add more carbs, so be mindful of the quantities if you’re strictly watching your carb intake.
5. Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese are ingredients in this recipe. However, utilizing plant-based cream cheese substitutes, dairy-free butter, and coconut cream makes it simple to make it dairy-free.
6. Can I add cheese to the meat filling?
Of course! A excellent method to add flavor to the meat mixture is to add some shredded cheese. To melt it into the fillin, simply whisk it in at the conclusion of cooking.
Why You’ll Love Keto Shepherd’s Pie
A delicious low-carb take on a traditional comfort food is this Keto Shepherd’s Pie. It’s full of flavor, filling, and substantial, making it ideal for anyone on the ketogenic diet. This recipe will satisfy your hunger without overloading you with carbohydrates because to its tasty chicken filling and creamy cauliflower topping.