This recipe is for the easiest way to prepare shepherds pie and if you’re a fan of hearty comfort food, but also want to keep things low-carb, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re going to dive into the world of the classic dish. This Shepherd’s Pie, has a healthy twist inspired by the renowned chef, Mario Batali.
Understanding Shepherds Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a beloved dish that traditionally features minced meat cooked with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. While it’s undeniably delicious, the traditional version can be quite heavy on carbs. Our low-carb recipe retains all the savory goodness while being a healthier alternative.
It’s traditionally prepared with ground or minced lamb. When prepared with ground or minced beef, it’s technically known as cottage pie. Something warm, savory and completely satisfying.
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie is a rich and meaty classic, made with a mixture of lamb and sirloin and topped with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato topping. However, we will use cauliflower as an alternative to make this tasty dish to keep it a low carb, and healthier alternative. It’s simple, yummy, and easy to make.
To get started with this recipe, we have to first prepare a few ingredients. You can have this savory shepherds pie using 12 ingredients and a few easy steps.
Key Ingredients for Your Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie
For the Filling:
- 1 pound of lean ground meat (beef or lamb)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
- 1 cup of beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cauliflower Mash: Need Top Notch Kitchen Supplies?
- 1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Steps for Your Low-Carb Delight
Instructions:
Preparing the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground meat and cook until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain the excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well with the meat.
- Add the mixed vegetables and beef or vegetable broth. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Making the Cauliflower Mash:
- Boil or steam the cauliflower pieces until they are soft and you can easily pierce with a fork.
- Drain the cauliflower and put it in a food processor.
- Add butter, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower in the food processor.
- Blend until you achieve a creamy consistency similar to mashed potatoes.
Putting the Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie Together:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the prepared meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Top the filling with the cauliflower mash, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Use a fork to create some texture on the top of the cauliflower. ( This will help it to brown beautifully in the oven. )
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Enjoying Your Low-Carb Delight
Once out of the oven, let your Mario Batali-inspired Low-Carb Shepherd’s Pie cool for a few minutes before serving. The creamy cauliflower mash perfectly complements the savory meat and vegetable filling. It’s a satisfying dish that retains all the flavors of the classic recipe, except this low carb alternative is a healthier option.
So, whether you’re watching your carb intake or simply looking to try a fresh take on a beloved classic, this low-carb Shepherds Pie is a delightful option that combines the culinary knowledge of Mario Batali with your health-conscious choices. It’s a delicious twist on a classic comfort food favorite!
