Low-Carb Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower Mash

Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash

A classic comfort dish reimagined – all the hearty flavors you love, with a fraction of the carbs.

KEY INFO

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Low-carb, Gluten-free (with GF stock)
Cost: ~$20 total

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large skillet or sauté pan
Large pot
Hand mixer or food processor
9×13 inch casserole dish
Steamer basket (optional)

INGREDIENTS

For the Cauliflower Mash:

1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs/900g), cut into florets
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
2 tbsp (30g) butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Meat Filling:

2 lbs (900g) ground lamb or beef
1 large onion, finely diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste
1 cup (240ml) beef stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup (150g) frozen peas
2 tsp fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Steam Cauliflower

Steam florets until fork-tender (10-15 minutes)
Crucial: Don’t oversteam or mash will be watery

Steaming cauliflower florets in a stainless steel pot with steam rising in a kitchen

2. Make Cauliflower Mash

Drain cauliflower thoroughly
Blend with cream cheese, cream, butter until smooth
Season generously
Set aside

Creamy cauliflower mash being whipped in a kitchen mixer bowl with melting butter.

3. Prepare Filling

Brown meat in large skillet (8-10 minutes)
Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic
Cook until vegetables soften (5-7 minutes)
Stir in tomato paste, stock, Worcestershire sauce
Simmer until thickened (10 minutes)
Add peas last

Sizzling meat and vegetables in a cast iron skillet releasing aromatic steam

4. Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C
Transfer meat to baking dish
Top with cauliflower mash
Bake 25-30 minutes until golden

Layered shepherd's pie in a rustic casserole dish on a kitchen counter

CRUCIAL TIPS

Drain cauliflower extremely well
Season each layer generously
Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Don’t skip browning the meat

Bubbling golden-brown shepherd's pie on an oven rack in warm lighting

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Keeps 3 days refrigerated
Freezes well up to 3 months
Vegetarian version: Use mushrooms and lentils
Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese

COMMON MISTAKES

Watery cauliflower mash
Under-seasoned layers
Rushing the meat browning
Not letting it rest before serving

I’ve made this countless times, and the key to success is really in the details. Take your time with each step, and you’ll end up with a dish that’s every bit as satisfying as the traditional version – minus the carb coma!