More fall cooking: Low Carb Shepherd's Pie

Low Carb Shepherd's Pie

This is downright comfort food...but you don't have to feel guilty...it's healthy! It's perfect for cooler weather and the added touch of spices makes it so complex and flavorful you won't want to stop eating it. This recipe was adapted from a paleo version I used to make so I've added back the cheese, because who doesn't love a cheesy top layer? 

Top Layer

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp spicy brown mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
Fresh parsley, to garnish

Bottom Layer

1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 lb. lean ground beef, turkey or lamb
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp allspice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (we use a little Cajun seasoning for a little extra kick)

Directions

Steam the cauliflower for 12-14 minutes, until tender. Drain and return cauliflower to the pot. I use 2 bags of frozen steamable cauliflower and steam it right in the bag. Add the butter, mustard, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower. Using an immersion blender or food processor, combine the ingredients until smooth. Set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5 minutes. Add in the meat and cook until browned.

Stir the tomato paste, broth, and remaining spices into the meat mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper or Cajun seasoning. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spread the meat mixture into a 9 x 12 baking pan and spread the pureed cauliflower on top. Sprinkle the cheese on top and place under the broiler for 5-7 minutes until the top turns golden. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

*Nutrition facts based on 90% lean ground beef, sodium content does not reflect actual added salt.

Nutrition Facts
Servings 8.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 338
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20 g	31 %
Saturated Fat 11 g	53 %
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 100 mg	33 %
Sodium 371 mg	15 %
Potassium 176 mg	5 %
Total Carbohydrate 5 g	2 %
Dietary Fiber 2 g	9 %
Sugars 3 g
Protein 32 g	65 %
Vitamin A	29 %
Vitamin C	3 %
Calcium	22 %
Iron	13 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.