Keto Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Recipe

Introduction

This Keto Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower is a delicious low-carb twist on a classic comfort dish. It features a savory ground beef and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed cauliflower instead of traditional potatoes. Perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté until they become soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef or lamb to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced zucchini and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the meat simmers, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Drain the cauliflower well and let all steam escape to avoid watery mash. Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor.
6. Step 6: Add the butter, heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower. Process until smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, spread the ground beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
8. Step 8: Spoon the mashed cauliflower over the meat mixture, spreading it gently to cover completely.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the cauliflower topping is lightly browned.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the beef mixture while cooking.
• You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Use a mix of shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese for a richer cauliflower topping.
• Make sure to drain and dry the cauliflower thoroughly before processing to avoid a watery mash.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the cauliflower topping creamy, reheat gently and avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of cauliflower?

Yes, but keep in mind this will increase the carb count significantly. Cauliflower is used here to keep the dish low-carb and keto-friendly.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the filling and mash ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving for best results.

Keto Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews

This Keto Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower is a low-carb, hearty dish perfect for those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Instead of traditional mashed potatoes, this recipe uses creamy cauliflower mash as a delicious and nutritious topping over a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and health-conscious.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cauliflower Topping

• 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes.
2. Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the diced zucchini and crushed tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce excess liquid.
3. Cook the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil until very soft, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly, allowing steam to escape to prevent watery mash.
4. Make the Cauliflower Mash: Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor. Add butter, heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
5. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a large casserole dish. Top with the creamy cauliflower mash, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the cauliflower topping is browned and slightly crispy.

Notes

• This recipe serves 6 and contains approximately 6 net carbs per serving, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream with coconut oil and coconut cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Ground lamb can be used instead of beef for a richer flavor.
• Ensure cauliflower is well-drained before processing to avoid a watery mash.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: keto shepherd’s pie, cauliflower mash, low carb shepherd’s pie, ketogenic recipe, ground beef casserole, low carb comfort food