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Healthy Keto Shepherds Pie with Creamy Cauliflower Mash

healthy keto shepherds pie - featured image

A low-carb, keto-friendly shepherd’s pie featuring a savory ground beef filling topped with a creamy, smooth cauliflower mash. Perfect for cozy dinners without the carb overload.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150g) diced mushrooms (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth (low sodium if available)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups/600g)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 oz (60g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook until very tender, about 10-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in chopped onion, garlic, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté until onions are translucent and mushrooms release moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook until mixture thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a food processor. Add butter, cream cheese, roasted garlic, and cream. Blend until smooth and fluffy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Spread meat filling evenly in an oven-safe baking dish. Top with creamy cauliflower mash, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Optionally, dot a bit more butter on top for a golden finish.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until topping is slightly golden and filling bubbles around edges.
  9. Let shepherd’s pie rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Avoid overcooking cauliflower to keep mash creamy and not gluey. Roasting garlic mellows sharpness and adds sweetness. Do not overcrowd pan when browning meat to ensure proper searing. Let pie rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving. If mash is too thin, add more cream cheese or reduce cream. If filling is watery, simmer longer.

Nutrition

Keywords: keto, low carb, shepherd's pie, cauliflower mash, healthy dinner, ground beef, comfort food