This shepherd’s pie features a layer of seasoned ground beef topped with a smooth cauliflower mash. The filling has a dark, reddish-brown color from the tomato paste and beef broth reduction, while the cauliflower topping is pale with lightly toasted edges. Served warm, the dish shows two distinct layers that remain separate and firm, offering a savory scent of thyme and garlic without any starchy fillers.
About This Recipe
The base consists of ground beef simmered with onions, garlic, and beef broth until the liquid reduces into a thick, concentrated mixture. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add a deep color and savory element to the meat, which acts as a sturdy foundation for the topping. The cauliflower is cooked until soft and blended with butter and cream, creating a dense mash that is spread evenly over the beef.
During the bake, moisture evaporates from the cauliflower, which allows the top layer to set and develop a slight crust. The heat from the oven causes the edges of the mash to brown while the beef filling bubbles underneath. This process results in a stable structure where the cauliflower stays on top of the meat rather than sinking into it, keeping the different textures of each layer visible.
The finished pie presents a uniform appearance with a smooth, off-white surface marked by small browned peaks from the oven. The scent of roasted cauliflower and seasoned beef is prominent as the dish rests. The result is a layered meal where the soft, buttery mash meets the textured, savory beef, creating a clean slice with a moist but firm finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic shepherd’s pie flavor in low-carb form
- Cauliflower mash sets firmly when baked
- Filling stays cohesive without thickeners
- Simple ingredients and clear structure
- Works for weekly meal prep
- Slices cleanly after resting
- Good reheating stability
- Balanced macros for keto meals
What You’ll Need for This Keto Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Beef Filling
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
Cauliflower Mash
• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer until reduced to a thick, gravy-like mixture.
- Steam or boil cauliflower florets until very tender.
- Drain well and blend with butter, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the beef mixture into a baking dish.
- Spoon the cauliflower mash on top and smooth the surface.
- Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes until the top is set and lightly browned.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
FAQ
- Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?
Yes. It provides a more traditional flavor profile. - Does the cauliflower mash become watery?
Not if the cauliflower is drained well before blending. - Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. The structure holds after thawing and reheating. - Can I add vegetables to the filling?
You can add small amounts of low-carb vegetables, but avoid high-moisture additions.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use ground lamb for a traditional version
- Replace thyme with rosemary for a different profile
- Add a small amount of shredded cheddar to the mash
- Season the mash with garlic powder
- Add mushrooms to the beef for extra depth
- Use ghee instead of butter if preferred
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted broccoli
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Add sautéed green beans
- Use as a make-ahead meal for busy days
Keto Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cauliflower Mash
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook onion until softened.
- Add garlic briefly, then add ground beef and brown fully.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add beef broth and simmer until thickened.
- Steam or boil cauliflower until very tender.
- Drain well and blend with butter, heavy cream, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Add the cauliflower mash on top and smooth evenly.
- Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes until set and lightly browned.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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