A healthier shepherd’s pie recipe made with ground lamb & low carb root vegetables in a rich brown gravy topped with cheesy cauliflower mashed potatoes.
Looking for something that will warm you up from the inside? Shepherd’s pie. Wondering what you can make with a package of ground lamb and vege? Make keto shepherd’s pie. Want to prepare a dinner your family will gobble up and thank you for? This shepherd’s pie recipe will do it and it’s low carb to boot!
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KETO SHEPHERD’S PIE TLDR: Use low carb root vegetables, thicken shepherd’s pie with xanthan gum and tomato paste, make low carb shepherd’s pie with mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Like a good low carb beef stew, shepherd’s pie is a comfort food winner. There’s a reason it’s called comfort food, my friends. Each bite tastes like “coming home” and feels like a hug for the soul. The small amount of extra hands-on and cooking time are absolutely worth it when this comes out of the oven beautifully browned and bubbly.
I made this delicious keto shepherd’s pie with mashed cauliflower several times the last month. My family fought over the leftovers each and every time! Although the gravy has no flour, it has a rich taste and heartiness that satisfies. You won’t miss the potatoes because the cheesy mashed cauliflower topping is even better.
HINT: To make Cottage Pie, use ground beef instead of ground lamb.
Keto Shepherd’s Pie
Lowering the carbs to make a shepherd’s pie keto is easy but does require knowledge of low carb ingredients and flavor. A low carb food list is invaluable as is an understanding of keto products. Traditional gravy thickeners contribute to a satisfying mouth-feel that low carb versions lack. So, it’s important to add even more flavor to low carb dishes to satisfy the taste buds.
This healthier shepherd’s pie recipe reduces carbs and increases flavor without the use of flour or cornstarch. To reduce carbs, swap starchy vegetables with lower carb root vegetables and top the dish with cheesy mashed cauliflower.
Tomato paste and xanthan gum slightly thicken the gravy and dried porcini powder (optional) adds amazing rich flavor. Aromatics, herbs and spices bump flavor even more.
I found the best vegetables for my keto shepherd’s pie filling were a smallish carrot and a medium turnip. While similar to radishes in flavor, turnips look like potatoes and mellow in flavor when cooked.
Not everyone likes cauliflower, but most people like my recipe for loaded cauliflower. Keeping that in mind, the mashed cauliflower topping includes cream cheese for creaminess, sour cream for tang and cheddar or Gruyere cheese for both texture and taste. Chopped scallion tops make it even better.
NOTE: Roll the carrot 1/4 – 1/3 turn while cutting. This produces many shallow chips that looks like more carrot than was used and they cook faster.
Other Low Carb Ingredient Options for Shephard’s Pie
- Bell pepper
- Garlic
- Green beans
- Mushrooms
- Radishes
- Rutabaga
Keto Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb or beef (24 oz/680 g)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 medium carrot, rolled (4 oz/113 g)
- 1 medium turnip, peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
- 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried porcini powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
- 2 cups water or unsalted beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Mashed Cauliflower Topping
- 1 pound cauliflower floretes steamed until tender
- 2 oz soft cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyere Cheese (or white cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup sliced scallion tops
- 1/4 tsp each, salt and white pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut cauliflower into small florets. Peel and roll carrot, peel and dice turnip and dice onion (put them together in a bowl). Slice scallion tops and chop parsley (keep them separate on cutting board or plate). Grate the cheese.
- Measure the spices and xanthan gum into a small bowl or ramekin and stir thoroughly; this ensures the xanthan gum doesn't form clumps when added to the recipe.
- Ready a microwaveable bowl or a pot with water for steaming the cauliflower. Fit the food processor with a metal blade.
Cottage Pie Filling
- Add ground lamb to the cold pan/skillet placed over medium heat. Work the ground lamb into small bits as it cooks. (Starting in a cold pan takes longer to cook, but it's the secret to achieving small uniform pieces.)
- Turn the heat to medium-high. Add the vegetables, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, mixed spices, and water or broth. Stir to distribute ingredients and to dissolve beef base and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer over low to medium-low heat for 20 minutes or until the carrots and turnips are tender. Turn up the heat and simmer uncovered until the gravy is a rich reddish-brown, slightly thickened and reduced until it clings to the ingredients but isn't dry. Stir in the parsley. Adjust seasoning. (If it needs a little "something" and you don't know what, add 1-2 tbsp sugar free ketchup.)
Mashed Cauliflower Topping
- PREHEAT OVEN TO 375 F AND PLACE RACK IN MIDDLE POSITIION.
- While the filling simmers, steam the cauliflower until tender. (I use my microwave: place cauliflower florets in large microwaveable bowl with 2 tbsp of water. Cover with cling film and microwave for 8 minutes on high power stirring half way through.)
- Drain cauliflower and add to a food processor. Process until crumbly. Add the cream cheese, sour cream and salt and pepper. Process until smooth and adjust seasoning. (Or mash well by hand and whip with a hand mixer.)
- Remove the mashed cauliflower to a bowl and stir in the cheese and sliced scallion tops. (Adding the cheese in the processor gets the blade all gummy and is hard to clean.)
Assembly
- Spray a 9 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch casserole dish with olive oil. Scrape the shepherd's pie filling into the casserole and spoon the mashed cauliflower over, making sure to gently spread it to the edges of the dish. OPTIONAL: Grate 1/4 cup more cheese to put on the top.
- At this point the shepherd's pie can be covered tightly and frozen. Cool completely, first!
Bake
- Place assembled shepherd's pie on a sheet pan to catch drips and bake for 40-50 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Brown under broiler if desired.
Serves 6. Each hearty serving is 7 g NET CARBS.
Notes
- Cover and refrigerate up to five days or cover and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat portions in the microwave.
- To reheat previously cooked shepherd’s pie: Thaw completely in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. To reheat the whole recipe, place thawed shepherd’s pie on the counter for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 F and bake covered for 40-50 minutes or until the center is hot.
- To reheat frozen, unbaked whole shepherd’s pie: Thaw completely in the refrigerator. Let the shepherd’s pie come to room temperature on the counter for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 F. Place on a sheet pan and bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes or until the shepherd’s pie is bubbly and the center is hot.
I rarely leave recipe reviews even when I like them but I had to thank you for this! My keto husband ate seconds and my non-keto mom and I thought this was the best shepherd’s pie we’ve ever had.
I’m happy the recipe was well received, Erin! I really appreciate you taking the time to come back to leave such a thoughtful comment. Happy holidays to you and yours. -Kim
We made this with the ground beef. The family loved it. Welcome to Texas!
This was such a warm satisfying meal. We all enjoyed it.
This tasted so GOOD! I can’t even tell you. I didn’t have the porcini powder but it was great without. This is recipe is a keeper.
One of the best cottage pies (I used ground beef) I’ve ever had. It was a little more work, but not impossible. Boy was it worth it. I made it exactly as written and I wouldn’t change a thing. I was worried about the mashed cauliflower topping but was pleasantly surprised. I’m making it again next week as per the request of my husband. Thank you.
Welcome to Texas; may your experience here be prosperous and blessed. I am looking forward to the Cottage Pie.
Hey Kim, the recipe sounds great for when the cool weather finally comes to California.
Amazing how this dish is so popular in so many culture like Potage Parmentier in France, Paté Chinois in Quebec and for good reasons: COMFORT FOOD!
A suggestion, it maybe worth adding the word “round” to the description of the dish size.
You’re my favorite Keto blogger by far. How about a little contest for your fans to vote for their favorite recipe. It may inspire the others to try something new? My go-to for guests is Chocolate Cake with Strawberries Cream.
Hi, this looks great! Could frozen riced cauliflower be used in place of steaming fresh or would the texture be thrown off?
Hi Kendra, the texture would be thrown off. BUT, you could thaw the cauliflower completely and squeeze it dry. Then try to puree it in a food processor. I guess you could mix it with cheese and put it on top that way, too. -Kim
I would like to know if you offer recipes with only a few ingredients. I have simplified by life since I eat much more simply, even carnivore at least once a week.
Sure Liz. While I can’t promise it will taste as good, here are my ideas:
Omit: Turnip, Beef bouillon, Worcester sauce, porcini powder, xanthan gum. Use 1 cup salted beef broth instead of 2 cups water. Cook until almost dry but still moist.
Cauliflower topping: Use thawed cauliflower rice. Squeeze dry and mix with garlic powder to taste and 1 cup grated cheddar or Swiss cheese.
Scrape filling into the casserole dish and top with the cauliflower. Bake until the filling is hot all the way through and the cheese in the cauliflower topping is melted and browning.
I haven’t tested this off-the-top-of-my-head recipe, but that is where I would start. -Kim
Hi Kim, This recipe sound wonderful and can’t wait to try it. WELCOME to Texas. We are a great state full of wonderful people!. May God bless you with strength & comfort in this new journey of life.
Thank you for your warm welcome and kind blessings, Kay. While I am a returning Texan, it’s been at least 30 years. People are as friendly as I remember! Enjoy the recipe and have a wonderful weekend. -Kim
Kim, what size casserole dish? This is something I definitely want to make. Love your recipes.
Hi Trish! Thanks for the kind words. The casserole dish was 9 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. Adding the info to the recipe now. Have a nice day. -Kim
So good to have you back….you’ve been missed! The shepherd’s pie looks lovely….the turnip with the lamb sounds like a great combination.
Hello Deb. Thank you so much, I appreciate it. I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as we do. Enjoy your day! -Kim
This sounds delicious!!! What is the purpose of the xanthum gum?
Hi Denise. The xanthan gum provides just a bit of thickness and body to the sauce. -Kim