Keto Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Cauliflower Topping

Classic comfort food made low carb with a creamy cauliflower topping and both dairy and dairy-free options.
⏱
Prep
20 minutes
🔥
Cook
35 minutes
🍽
Servings
6
🌾
Carbs
11g
💪
Protein
44.3g
🫒
Fat
43.8g

This keto shepherd’s pie is classic comfort food made low carb by replacing the traditional potato topping with creamy mashed cauliflower. The rich meat filling is topped with your choice of a buttery, cheesy cauliflower mash or a silky dairy-free version made with olive oil or beef tallow. Both bake up beautifully with a golden finish while keeping carbohydrates low. It’s an excellent make-ahead meal that freezes and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground lamb (traditional) or lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or beef tallow
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional)
  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into florets
  • Salt, to taste
  • Dairy Version:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Dairy-Free Version:
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or beef tallow
  • 2-4 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Steam or boil the cauliflower until fork tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and allow excess moisture to evaporate.
  3. Heat the oil or tallow in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned.
  7. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  8. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Whisk in xanthan gum during the final minute if using.
  9. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  10. Blend the cauliflower with either the dairy or dairy-free topping ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  11. Spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the meat filling.
  12. Sprinkle with Parmesan or additional cheddar if using the dairy version.
  13. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
  14. Broil for 2-3 minutes if desired.
  15. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 of 6)
Calories 612
Total Fat 43.8g
Total Carbohydrate 11g
  Dietary Fiber 3.3g
  Total Sugars 2.7g
Protein 44.3g
Sodium 350mg
Calcium 70mg
Iron 1.8mg
Vitamin C 13.3mg
Estimates computed by AI using density-aware ingredient values consistent with USDA / MyFitnessPal references. Values are approximate.

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