Keto Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower
A comforting keto twist on the classic shepherd's pie featuring a creamy cauliflower topping and flavorful ground meat, perfect for low-carb diets.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 small onion, diced Adds flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb Protein base
- 1 small zucchini, diced For added nutrients
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes For flavor and moisture
- Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning
For the Cauliflower Mash
- 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets The base for the mash
- 2 tablespoons butter For creaminess
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Adds richness
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese Optional for extra flavor
- Additional salt and pepper to taste For seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned and cooked through to 160°F (71°C), breaking it up as it cooks.
- Mix in the diced zucchini and crushed tomatoes, ensuring a good blend of ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the mixture cook uncovered for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding the cauliflower florets. Boil for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Carefully drain the cauliflower, allowing all steam and water to escape to ensure a smooth mash.
- Transfer the drained cauliflower to a food processor. Add butter, heavy cream, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper, and process until smooth and creamy.
Assembly and Baking
- Spoon the cooked ground beef mixture into the bottom of a large casserole dish.
- Spread the creamy cauliflower mash over the meat layer evenly.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the topping is lightly golden brown.
Notes
Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end.