Classic Shepherds Pie Cauliflower (Printable Version)

Hearty lamb and veggies layered with creamy cauliflower mash for a wholesome and comforting main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meat Filling

01 - 1 lb ground lamb
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup frozen peas
07 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
09 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Cauliflower Mash Topping

15 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
16 - 2 tablespoons butter
17 - ¼ cup milk
18 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
19 - ½ teaspoon salt
20 - ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add cauliflower florets. Cook until very tender, approximately 10-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - While cauliflower cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic and ground lamb to the skillet. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Add broth and peas to the meat mixture. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, approximately 8-10 minutes.
05 - Transfer drained cauliflower to a food processor. Add butter, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and white pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
06 - Spoon meat filling into a 2-quart baking dish and spread evenly. Top with cauliflower mash and smooth the surface with a spatula. Optional: use a fork to create decorative ridges in the mash.
07 - Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and filling is bubbling at the edges.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Lower in carbs than traditional shepherd's pie while maintaining all the comfort
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for dairy-free diets
  • Rich, savory lamb filling with layers of flavor from fresh herbs and vegetables
  • Creamy cauliflower topping that's surprisingly indulgent
  • Perfect for meal prep—keeps well for up to 3 days
  • A crowd-pleaser that accommodates various dietary preferences
02 -
  • Drain the cauliflower very well before blending to avoid a watery topping
  • Let the meat brown undisturbed for deeper flavor development
  • Taste the filling before assembling and adjust seasoning as needed
  • Create fork ridges on the mash for extra crispy, golden peaks
  • Let the pie rest 5 minutes after baking so the filling sets and is easier to serve
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
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