Indulge in the comforting flavors of Shepherd’s Pie without the guilt with this Low-Carb Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie recipe. By swapping traditional mashed potatoes for creamy cauliflower mash, this dish becomes keto-friendly and perfect for those looking to reduce their carb intake. Packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food dish loved by many, but its carb-heavy nature can be a challenge for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Fortunately, with a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavors of Shepherd’s Pie without compromising your dietary goals. This Low-Carb Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie recipe replaces traditional mashed potatoes with creamy cauliflower mash, resulting in a lighter yet equally delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 shallot, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower Mash:
- Place the cauliflower florets in a large pot of salted boiling water.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a food processor.
- Add the butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to the food processor.
- Pulse until the cauliflower is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cook the Turkey Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced shallot, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the skillet.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the turkey filling to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Spread the cauliflower mash over the top of the turkey filling, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the cauliflower mash.
- Bake the Shepherd’s Pie:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Low-Carb Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein such as lentils or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or blue cheese, to add extra flavor to the dish.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add additional vegetables to the turkey filling, such as peas, corn, or green beans, for added color and texture.
Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto-Friendly Version:
- Replace the carrot and celery with keto-friendly vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Use full-fat dairy products such as heavy cream and mozzarella cheese to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- Enjoy this dish as part of a balanced keto meal plan, paired with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the recipe as written, as it is already low in carbohydrates thanks to the cauliflower mash.
- Serve the Shepherd’s Pie alongside a side of mixed greens or steamed broccoli for a satisfying low-carb meal option.
With its creamy cauliflower mash topping and flavorful turkey filling, this Low-Carb Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food dish. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a nutritious and delicious meal option, this recipe is sure to please. So why wait? Give it a try and enjoy a satisfying and guilt-free dinner that the whole family will love!
