Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie – Creamy, Cheesy & Hearty

I’ve always loved a good Shepherd’s Pie, but I wanted a version that fits a low-carb lifestyle without losing any of that comforting flavor.

This Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie is the perfect solution — it swaps traditional mashed potatoes for a creamy, buttery mashed cauliflower topping that’s every bit as satisfying.

Beneath that golden crust is a rich ground beef filling, tender vegetables, and a savory gravy that ties everything together.

It’s cozy, hearty, and guilt-free comfort food at its finest.

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Recipe Highlights

This recipe delivers everything you love about a classic Shepherd’s Pie — the warmth, the flavor, the comfort — but without the heavy carbs.

This Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie offers a delightful twist on the traditional recipe, substituting mashed potatoes with a creamy cauliflower mash.

The dish features a savory filling made from one pound of ground beef, complemented by diced onions, minced garlic, and a variety of vegetables.

The cauliflower, chopped into florets, is steamed until tender and then blended with butter and heavy cream to create a smooth topping.

This hearty meal is not only satisfying but also aligns perfectly with low-carb dietary preferences.

The mashed cauliflower topping is light and fluffy while still rich enough to give that “mashed potato” vibe.

The filling is perfectly seasoned, meaty, and full of texture thanks to low-carb veggies.

Highlights:

• Low-carb comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor
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• Rich, savory ground beef filling with herbs and garlic
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• Creamy mashed cauliflower topping with golden-brown finish
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• Perfect for meal prep or cozy weeknight dinners
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• Keto and gluten-free friendly

Ingredients That Shine

To prepare this dish, you will need a selection of fresh ingredients. Start with 1 medium head of cauliflower, which serves as the base for the mash.

The ground beef, ideally 85/15 for a balance of flavor and fat, forms the core of the filling.

Enhance the flavor profile with 3 tablespoons of butter, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, which is divided between the mash and the topping.

Aromatic elements like ½ medium yellow onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and a stalk of diced celery add depth to the filling.

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef (1 pound): A lean 85/15 mix keeps it flavorful without being greasy.
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• Cauliflower (1 medium head): Replaces mashed potatoes for a creamy, low-carb topping.
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• Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness to the mashed cauliflower.
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• Heavy Cream (¼ cup): Makes the topping smooth and velvety.
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• Cheddar Cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts into the topping and creates a golden crust.
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• Onion (½ medium yellow): Adds sweetness and depth to the beef filling.
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• Garlic (2 cloves minced): Enhances the savory profile of the dish.
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• Celery (1 stalk diced): Adds texture and mild flavor to the filling.
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• Carrots (½ cup diced): Optional if following strict keto — can substitute chopped zucchini.
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• Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Deepens the beefy flavor and thickens the sauce.
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• Beef Broth (½ cup): Creates a savory gravy for the filling.
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• Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds umami depth to the beef.
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• Thyme (½ teaspoon) and Rosemary (½ teaspoon): Classic herbs for that traditional Shepherd’s Pie taste.
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• Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential to season every layer.

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How to Make My Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
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2. Prepare the Cauliflower Topping: Steam or boil cauliflower florets for 10 minutes until tender. Drain well. Blend cauliflower, butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in half the cheddar cheese. Set aside.
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3. Cook the Beef Filling: In a large skillet, sauté onion, garlic, celery, and carrots (if using) in a tablespoon of butter for 3–4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and beef broth. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
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4. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the beef filling evenly in the baking dish. Top with mashed cauliflower mixture and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
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5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and bubbly around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking the Filling

Begin by sautéing the onion, garlic, and celery in a skillet with a tablespoon of butter until softened.

This step is crucial for building the flavor base of the dish.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Incorporate ingredients like tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings such as dried thyme and rosemary to create a rich, savory filling.

Creating the Cauliflower Mash

While the beef filling simmers, prepare the cauliflower mash. Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, then blend them with butter, heavy cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until creamy.

Season the mash with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it complements the savory filling perfectly.

This mash not only serves as a delicious topping but also adds a healthy twist to the classic dish.

Assembling and Baking

Once both components are ready, it’s time to assemble the Shepherd’s Pie. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a baking dish, spread the beef filling evenly and top it with the creamy cauliflower mash.

Smooth the mash with a spatula, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden-brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie in rustic ceramic bowls for a warm and inviting presentation.

This meal not only satisfies hunger but also provides a comforting experience, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!

This low-carb Shepherd’s Pie pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted asparagus or green beans
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• A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
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• Sautéed spinach or garlic broccoli
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• A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of low-carb gravy

Tips for the Best Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie

To keep the cauliflower topping creamy and not watery, make sure to drain it thoroughly before blending.

You can even squeeze out extra moisture with a towel. Don’t skip the cheese — it helps create that satisfying crust!

For added depth, try using a mix of ground beef and ground lamb, like the traditional version.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

For freezing, store portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.