Beef Shepherds Pie with Cauliflower Mash (Print Version)

Comforting British classic with ground beef and vegetables topped with creamy cauliflower mash. Lighter, low-carb alternative ready in one hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cauliflower Mash

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup milk or unsweetened non-dairy alternative
04 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
05 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Beef Filling

06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 large carrot, diced
10 - 1 celery stalk, diced
11 - 1.1 pounds ground beef, lean
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
15 - 1 cup gluten-free beef broth
16 - 1 cup frozen peas
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and allow to reach temperature.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until very tender, approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well using a colander.
03 - While cauliflower cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
04 - Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
05 - Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to develop flavors.
06 - Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2 minutes more.
07 - Mash the drained cauliflower with butter, milk, Parmesan cheese if using, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
08 - Spoon beef mixture into an 8 by 8 inch baking dish. Spread cauliflower mash evenly over the top layer.
09 - Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and heated through.
10 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The cauliflower mash absorbs all those beautiful meat juices while keeping the dish lighter than you would expect from something so satisfying.
  • You can prepare most components ahead of time, making this perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but lack the energy for complicated cooking.
02 -
  • If your cauliflower mash seems watery after cooking, place the florets back in the empty pot over low heat for 1-2 minutes after draining to evaporate excess moisture before mashing.
  • The filling tastes even better when made a day ahead, allowing all those savory flavors to meld together overnight in the refrigerator.
03 -
  • For an extra-crispy top, run the shepherd's pie under the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely as cauliflower can burn more quickly than potato.
  • Let the pie rest for a full 10 minutes before serving, even though its tempting to dig in immediately, as this allows the filling to set so it doesnt run all over the plate.

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