Homemade Beef and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie with Mashed Cauliflower

This hearty homemade beef and vegetable shepherd's pie is comfort food at its finest. Ground beef, onions, carrots, peas, and corn are simmered together to make the filling, which gets topped with creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes and melted cheese. This delicious rendition swaps the traditional potato topping with mashed cauliflower to make it lower carb yet just as satisfying. Read on for tips on building flavor into each component.

Benefits of Homemade Shepherd's Pie

Making shepherd's pie from scratch at home has many advantages:

Control Ingredients

Use fresh, high-quality whole foods.

Add Veggies

Bulk up with healthy vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn.

Adjust Flavors

Season the meat and mashed topping to taste.

Make Ahead

Assemble pie ahead of time and bake later.

Incorporate Leftovers

Use up leftover mashed potatoes or veggies in filling.

Tips for Building Flavor

Maximize the flavor in every component:

Brown the Beef

Browning ground meat boosts savory flavor.

Cook Aromatics

Onions and garlic add sweetness and depth.

Layer on Herbs and Spices

Thyme, rosemary, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, etc.

Finish with Cheese

Melty cheese on top creates irresistible appeal.

Season Every Layer

Salt and pepper the meat, veggies, and cauliflower for full flavor.

How to Make Beef and Vegetable Shepherd's Pie

This easy recipe layers incredible comfort food flavors:

Ingredients

Ground beef, onion, carrot, peas, corn, cauliflower, cheese, herbs, and seasoning.

Directions

1. Brown beef with onions and carrots.

2. Add vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Simmer.

3. Mash cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Layer meat mixture, cauliflower mash, and cheese in a baking dish.

5. Bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Green salad, dinner rolls, red wine

Vegetable Mix-Ins for Savory Shepherd's Pie

Mix and match vegetables like:

- Peas

- Corn

- Diced celery

- Shredded Brussels sprouts

- Butternut squash

- Chopped spinach

Alternative Topping Ideas

Substitute the mashed cauliflower topping with:

- Mashed potatoes

- Mashed parsnips or turnips

- Mashed sweet potatoes

- Polenta

- Whipped potatoes

- Cauliflower rice

Comfort Food Magic in Homemade Beef Shepherd's Pie

With its savory seasoned beef filling and creamy cauliflower topping all baked together, this homemade shepherd's pie is total comfort food heaven. The variety of vegetables make it extra hearty and satisfying. Customize with your favorite herbs, meat, and veggie mix-ins for a warm and welcoming meal.

5 FAQs about Shepherd's Pie

1. What ground meat works best in shepherd's pie?

Ground beef and ground lamb are equally delicious. Turkey or chicken work too.

2. What vegetables should you add to shepherd's pie?

Carrots, peas, corn, celery, Brussels sprouts, spinach all work wonderfully.

3. How do you thicken shepherd's pie filling?

Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with broth to make a slurry and stir into the filling to thicken.

4. Can you prepare shepherd's pie in advance?

Yes, assemble completely then refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.

5. How do you freeze shepherd's pie?

Assemble the pie completely then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. It will last 2-3 months frozen.