Beef & Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie (Keto & Low-Carb Friendly)
Comfort Food with a Twist
There’s something about classic comfort food that never gets old. Those warm, hearty meals that make a cold evening feel just right. This Beef & Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie is my take on that feeling.
Shepherd’s pie actually starts its roots go back to the British Isles. Families used it as a way to make use of leftover roasted meat and potatoes in one satisfying bake. Today, we are adding a modern, low-carb twist to this cozy favorite. This Beef and Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie holds onto all the warmth and homeyness of the original. It swaps out the potatoes for cauliflower, which makes it keto-friendly and full of flavor. The swap keeps the spirit of the original while fitting perfectly into a modern, low-carb lifestyle.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty on a chilly night, this dish fits the moment. This dish hits the mark in any case. It is simple enough for any weeknight, but it feels elevated enough to share when guests come over.
Why This Works for Keto / Low-Carb Living?
It’s hearty yet low-carb, by replacing traditional mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash. This switch drops the high-carb starch, so we can still attain those keto goals, making this dish indulgent yet smart. The ground beef gives us the high-quality protein you need in your diet. Seasonings like thyme and nutmeg add warmth and depth. They suit a fall or winter dish perfectly. Bonus points are the fact that it takes about an hour from start to finish to make, which makes this casserole stand out among the rest. It uses simple ingredients, too. What’s great as a busy and health-conscious mom is that you can pull this off on a random Tuesday night, or bake on the weekend for meal prep!
Want more recipe ideas for a low-carb/ keto lifestyle?! Check out these below!
Ingredients for Cauliflower Mash:
- Cauliflower: The perfect mashed potato swap for a creamy, low-carb topping.
- Butter: Adds the rich flavor you would expect from mashed potatoes.
- Cream Cheese: Thickens the mash and gives it that velvety, cheesy bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Makes this mash taste just like the cheese mashed potatoes we would get as kids!
Ingredients for Meat Mixture For Beef Shepherd’s Pie:
- Ground beef: I like to use 80/20 here for the best flavor and fat!
- Onion: I like to use yellow onion because it’s a little sweeter.
- Garlic: Minced is best in this recipe. It brings a more pungent flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (or see my substitute below!): Gives it the signature shepherd’s pie flavor, and if you don’t have any at home, I’ve got a fix for that.
- Salt and Black pepper: Adds to the taste, and I personally love my shepherd’s pie a little peppery!
- Thyme: Brings a herby note that complements the beef beautifully.
- Nutmeg: Adds a touch of nutty warmth, making the dish more earthy.
- Optional Mushrooms: I love adding mushrooms; they soak up all that flavor and make it even heartier.
Homemade Worcestershire substitute:
- Coconut aminos: A great substitute for soy sauce and a lower sodium content.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a milder, more fruity flavor to add to the dish.
- Primal Kitchen ketchup: This is a great substitute for your traditional ketchup. It’s paleo, keto-friendly, and low sugar!
How to Make Beef & Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, or 175 degrees C.
Make the cauliflower mash by steaming your cauliflower by placing it in a steamer basket, inside a pot of boiling water. Steam for 10 minutes with the lid covering the pot, or until the cauliflower is tender. You can check for this by poking it with a fork. If it goes in smoothly without resistance, it’s ready.
In a blender or food processor, combine the steamed cauliflower with cream cheese, 3 tbsp butter, and shredded cheddar. Blend until smooth and creamy.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add garlic powder and onion powder.
Add 1 whole diced onion. Continue to cook until onions are translucent. Stir in the salt, 1 1/2 tbsp, pepper 1/2 tbsp, thyme 1/2 tsp, and nutmeg 1/2 tsp.
Add the Worcestershire substitute. That is 1/2 tbsp coconut aminos plus 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 tbsp Primal Kitchen ketchup. Add optional mushrooms if using. Continue to cook until mushrooms soften. Make sure the beef mixture is well combined. Drain off excess fat.
Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 glass baking dish.
Spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the top of the meat. Sprinkle with shredded cheese to finish!
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then switch to broil mode. Broil for 5 minutes. Do this until the cheddar on top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Beef & Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie FAQs:
Absolutely. You can substitute the ground beef for another meat. If you prefer ground turkey, bison, or even lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie vibe, you can swap in equal amounts. Just be mindful of fat content! That affects flavor and macros.
You can add vegetables to the meat mixture and still stay low-carb. Good moderate options include diced mushrooms, as used here, chopped spinach, or zucchini ribbons. Stay away from high-starch veggies like peas, corn, or carrots if you aim for strict keto.
You can—but sweet potato adds higher carbs, so you’ll want to factor that into your macro count. If you’re more “low-carb” (not strict keto), you might use a smaller amount of sweet potato mixed with cauliflower to keep it balanced.
Yes! Assemble the dish (meat + cauliflower mash) but skip the final broil step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake and broil when ready. You can also freeze fully assembled (but unbaked) up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350 °F until heated through.
Variations:
Want to make your own twist? Try one of these options out!
Italian twist: Add Italian seasoning, swap cheddar for mozzarella, and drizzle with sugar-free marinara.
Spicy version: Toss in chili powder, cumin, and top with pepper jack.
Herb-and-garlic variation: Toss in chili powder, cumin, and top with pepper jack.
Serving & Presentation Tips for your Shepherd’s Pie
Use a food processor or high-powered blender to get the smoothest mash.
Use a glass 9×13 dish so you can show off the layered look when serving—it’s pretty and homey.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking, so it sets and slices neatly—makes for better presentation and prevents the mash from sliding.
Garnish with fresh thyme, chopped parsley, or diced green onions right before serving for a pop of color.
Serve with a simple side salad (mixed greens with olive oil & lemon) to lighten the meal while staying keto-conscious.
For Meal prep, make ahead and bake right before serving or preparing for the week.
Storage and Reheating:
If you have leftovers (which, honestly, is one of the best parts of this dish), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can pop individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you want to make it ahead for busy weeks, you can also freeze it after baking. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. It’s just as cozy the second (or third) time around.
Final Thoughts
Cold winter evenings call for food that warms you from the inside out, both in flavor and in comfort. This Beef and Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie brings that warmth in a form that aligns with your low-carb or keto goals. It’s hearty, it’s homey, and you’ll feel proud to share it.
When you bake it, and that cheddar on top bubbles golden, know you’re not just cooking, you’re crafting something simple, intentional, and nourishing. From weekday dinners to cozy gatherings, this dish delivers.
Here’s to building meals that nourish your body and your soul.
— Carly
If you want more recipes, check them out here! If you made this, let me know how it was in the comments below! Subscribe here to get alerts on new posts!
Beef and Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie (keto/low carb friendly)
Beef & Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie (Keto & Low-Carb Friendly)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Prepare the cauliflower mash: steam your cauliflower (either the fresh head or frozen bags) until tender. In a blender or food processor, combine the steamed cauliflower with cream cheese, 3 tbsp butter, and shredded cheddar. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and continue to cook until onions are translucent. Stir in the salt (1½ tbsp), pepper, thyme, and nutmeg (½ tsp each).
- Add the Worcestershire substitute (½ tbsp coconut aminos + ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar + ¼ tbsp Primal Kitchen ketchup) and optional mushrooms if using. Continue to cook until mushrooms soften and beef mixture is well combined. Drain off excess fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 glass baking dish. Spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the top of the meat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then switch to broil mode and broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheddar on top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Nutrition
Notes
- Pulse your blender for the cauliflower mash
- Drain the excess fat to help allow the pie to stand well.
- Use a glass 9×13 dish so you can show off the layered look when serving—it’s pretty and homey.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes so it sets and slices neatly—makes for better presentation and prevents the mash from sliding.
- For meal prep: make ahead and bake, then let cool completely before freezing in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, let thaw overnight in the fridge and bake or reheat until heated through.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Final Thoughts
Cold winter evenings call for food that warms you from the inside out, both in flavor and in comfort. This Beef and Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie brings that warmth in a form that aligns with your low-carb or keto goals. It’s hearty, it’s homey, and you’ll feel proud to share it.
When you bake it, and that cheddar on top bubbles golden, know you’re not just cooking, you’re crafting something simple, intentional, and nourishing. From weekday dinners to cozy gatherings, this dish delivers.
Here’s to building meals that nourish your body and your soul.
— Carly
If you want more recipes, check them out here! If you made this, let me know how it was in the comments below! Subscribe here to get alerts on new posts!
