Homemade Beef and Mushroom Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

Introduction

Shepherd's pie is comfort food at its finest. This version upgrades the classic with a mushroom gravy, carrot and pea filling and a creamy cauliflower mash topping. Trading the typical potato topping for nutrient-dense cauliflower lowers the carbs without sacrificing any flavor or texture. Ground beef provides savory protein while mushrooms boost the umami flavors. Carrots, peas and rich gravy bring it all together for a deeply satisfying meal. Made from scratch but simple to whip up, this shepherd's pie is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Benefits of Cauliflower

Cauliflower provides an excellent low-carb, high-nutrition substitute for mashed potatoes. Some of its many benefits include:

• Packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and fiber
• Contains cancer-fighting compounds like sulforaphane
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Sulfur-containing nutrients boost detoxification
• Choline promotes healthy brain function

With just 25 calories per cup, using cauliflower allows you to cut calories and carbs without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup raw cauliflower contains:

• 25 calories
• 5g carbs
• 2g protein
• 2g fiber
• 76% DV vitamin C
• 11% DV vitamin K

Ingredients

This comforting shepherd's pie comes together with simple ingredients:

• Lean ground beef
• Onion and garlic
• Mushrooms
• Carrots, peas
• Beef broth
• Cauliflower florets
• Butter, milk
• Cheese
• Herbs and seasonings

Recipe Details

Cook the Ground Beef

Saute onions and garlic until soft, then add ground beef. Cook until browned throughout, crumbling with a spoon. Drain excess fat.

Simmer the Filling

Add mushrooms, carrots, peas, beef broth and seasonings. Let simmer 15 minutes for flavors to meld.

Make the Cauliflower Mash

Steam cauliflower florets until very soft. Drain and rice cauliflower, then combine with butter, milk, cheese and seasonings. Mash until smooth.

Assemble the Pie

Transfer beef mixture to a baking dish. Top evenly with the cauliflower mash. Spread to the edges to seal.

Bake the Casserole

Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil 2-3 minutes to brown the top.

Let Stand and Serve

Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Tips

• Choose 90% lean ground beef for the best flavor.
• Cut the cauliflower small for fast, even cooking.
• Rice the cauliflower when still hot for easiest mashing.
• Add cream cheese or sour cream to the mash for extra richness.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for bonus cheesy layers.

Pair with

Serve this fulfilling shepherd's pie with:

• Roasted root vegetables like parsnips or turnips
• Simple side salad
• Crusty bread
• Pint of stout or ale

Leftover Storage

Store leftover shepherd's pie covered in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

For longer storage, freeze fully cooled pie. Reheat frozen portions slowly in the oven from frozen state.

Conclusion

This delicious homemade beef and mushroom shepherd's pie puts a creative spin on the classic. Swapping cauliflower for potatoes cuts the carbs without losing any comfort. Filled with tender beef, mushrooms, carrots, peas and savory gravy, it's deeply satisfying. Topped with creamy cauliflower mash and baked to perfection, this easy shepherd's pie makes the ultimate weekday family dinner.

FAQs

What kind of beef is best?

Choose 90-95% lean ground beef for the right balance of fat and flavor.

Can you make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to 2 days in advance then bake just before serving.

What's the best way to reheat it?

Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot.

Can you freeze the pie?

Absolutely, it freezes very well. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

What can you substitute for cauliflower?

Turnips or rutabaga work well, but cauliflower is the closest match to mashed potatoes.