Shepherd’s pie holds a nostalgic spot in my heart, reminding me of cozy evenings at grandma’s, where every spoonful was a hug. But here’s the twist—this keto version swaps out the usual mash for a cauliflower blend that’s so creamy, you won’t even miss the potatoes. I swear, it’s like a culinary magic trick!
Steps
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef, cooking until it loses its pink color.
- Create the Gravy: Mix almond flour into the cooked beef, then add canned tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, a bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook on medium heat until it thickens into a gravy-like consistency.
- Make the Cauliflower Mash: Steam chopped cauliflower until tender, then transfer to a food processor. Add butter and blend until smooth. Incorporate heavy cream, salt, pepper, and optional shredded cheese, blending until fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish or cast iron skillet, then layer the cauliflower mash over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbling at the edges. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 medium cauliflower, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1566kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 150g | Fat: 78g | Sodium: 2868mg | Potassium: 6150mg | Fiber: 42g | Vitamin A: 9990IU | Vitamin C: 426mg | Calcium: 540mg | Iron: 18mg | NET CARBS: 18g
FAQ
- What is the key difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?
- Cottage pie and shepherd’s pie are fundamentally similar, but the main distinction lies in the meat used. Cottage pie traditionally uses ground beef, while shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb.
- Can this keto shepherd’s pie be made ahead of time?
- Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make a double batch and store one in the freezer for up to six months. Just ensure it is thawed completely before reheating.
- What can I use instead of mashed cauliflower for the topping?
- While mashed cauliflower is the go-to low-carb option, mashed turnips can be used as an alternative, yielding a similar delicious result.
- How can I make the mashed cauliflower topping creamier?
- For a creamier texture, consider replacing butter with cream cheese or adding an egg yolk to the mash.
- What are some keto-friendly sides to serve with this shepherd’s pie?
- This dish pairs well with keto buns, keto coleslaw, keto rolls, or keto cornbread. Any of your preferred keto side dishes would complement it nicely.
Tips
- To save time, consider steaming frozen cauliflower rice and blending it for the mash; this can significantly reduce preparation time.
- Use a cast iron skillet to cook the meat and then add the cauliflower mash on top; this allows you to transfer everything straight to the oven seamlessly.
- Allow the meat filling to cool slightly before layering the cauliflower mash on top; this helps the gravy to thicken nicely.
- For a creamier cauliflower mash, you might swap the butter with cream cheese or an egg yolk to enhance the texture.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet – Useful for both cooking the meat/gravy and baking the pie.
- Food processor – Essential for blending the mashed cauliflower topping smoothly.
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish – Required if not using a cast iron skillet to bake the pie.
- Steamer basket or pot with a steaming insert – For steaming the cauliflower.
- Airtight storage containers – For storing leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer.
