One of the most delicious and homey meals around has got to be ground beef shepherd’s pie.
This dish is the epitome of reinventing your favorite foods into a lower carb dish.
Here in the U.S we call this dish a Shepherd’s Pie even though it is made with ground beef. Shepherd’s Pie actually comes from England and is traditionally made with mutton or lamb. I’ve never had the traditional dish, but with ground beef it is amazing.
Let’s talk “low-er” carb Shepherd’s Pie with Ground Beef
Veggie Choice
You can be as strict as you like when it comes to your veggies. With this recipe I chose to use a bag of mixed vegetables: carrots, peas and green beans. They were delicious and I have zero regrets.
You can basically add any vegetable you’d like and whatever fits your WOE.
Here are some yummy ideas:
- Green beans
- Onion
- Zucchini
- Diced tomatoes
- Squash
- Mushrooms
Ground Beef
You do not have to use ground beef. You could substitute any meat you can imagine, or go the traditional route and use lamb.
There are a couple alternatives you can chose from:
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- Ground pork
- Lamb
Mashed Potato Sub
Cauliflower is such a great substitute for mashed potatoes. When cooking your mashed cauliflower make sure to cook out all the liquid. You can even go the extra step and wring your cauliflower out using a tea towel or a cheese cloth. I find it tastes better this way and will soak up the butter and cream you add to it better. Load it up with garlic and cheese if that’s your thing!
Check out the below recipe for my “low-er” carb version of Shepherd’s Pie With Ground Beef
Shepherd's Pie
This Shepherd's pie is so delicious and full of fantastic flavor. The super creamy and garlicy caulimash so smooth, cheesy and delicious. This hearty, stick to your ribs Shepherd's Pie uses ground beef instead of lamb.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2.5 ounces chopped onion
- 1 bag or 5 cups frozen mixed vegetables*
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dry rubbed sage*
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper
Caulimash Topping
- 24 ounces cauliflower rice*
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 ounce asiago cheese (or cheese of choice)
Slurry
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 cups bone broth (beef or chicken)
- 3 tbsp oat fiber
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 3 ounces asiago cheese
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 375°
Meat Filling
- Cook ground beef in pan on medium heat.
- Once ground beef is cooked add chopped onion, rubbed sage, parsley, oregano, Worcestershire, salt and pepper.
- Add mixed vegetables and garlic. Turn heat to low and cover with lid.
Caulimash Topping
While you're cooking your meat mixture, prepare your cauliflower. If you're using a steamer bag, follow instructions listed on bag.
- In a medium sized sauce pot add frozen cauliflower and cook on high.
- Once cooked and most moisture has evaporated add cauliflower to a cheesecloth (or tea towel) lined colander. Squeeze excess liquid- be careful it could still be hot
- To your pan add butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper and half and half. stir gently.
- Add cauliflower and mix well.
- With an immersion blender (or food processor, hand mixer or potato masher) blend until smooth.
- Add cheese.
Slurry
I found it best to make the slurry in a separate pan.
- With your heat on medium, melt butter.
- Once melted add 1 tbsp of oat fiber and whisk. Once the first tbsp is incorporated continue with the remaining two.
- Add bone broth and half and half. Continue to whisk until incorporated.
- Slowly add xanthan gum and whisk.
- Continue to add more bone broth or oat fiber/xanthan gum until you've reached your desired consistency.
- Add cheese.
Assemble
All you need to do is add your slurry to your meat mixture and mix well. Once incorporated pour into your casserole dish (or keep in your pan if oven safe).
Next spoon or pipe caulimash on top of meat mixture and place in the oven.
Cook for at least 20 minutes at 375°.
Turn up the heat to broil. Place under broiler for 5 minutes or until golden and delicious.
Notes
Frozen veggies- you may use any lower carb veggie you prefer.
Rubbed sage- you may use fresh or dried.
Cauliflower rice- feel free to use cauliflower florets
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1/8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 506Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 388mgCarbohydrates: 18gNet Carbohydrates: 13gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 34g