Cauliflower Shepherds Pie (Paleo, AIP, Whole30 Friendly)

This Cauliflower Shepherds Pie is classic comfort food that is filling, flavorful, and delicious. It is made with a creamy cauliflower topping. It is Paleo, AIP, and Whole30 friendly.

When I think about classic comfort foods, Shepherds Pie is one of the first things that comes to my mind. It is warming, filling, and a complete meal.

I haven’t eaten Shepherds Pie in ages! But, with St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, I was in the mood to make this classic dish into a healthier version of Shepherds Pie.

What’s In Shepherds Pie?

Shepherds Pie is a traditional dish that most likely originated in Scotland or northern England. It was a recipe that was developed to use leftover pieces of roast meat. It is usually referred to as Shepherds Pie when made with lamb because a shepherd looks after sheep.

Traditional Shepherds Pie is made with lamb, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, peas, carrots, celery, loads of butter, and white potatoes. So, how can you lighten up a dish like this with no nightshades and make it Paleo, AIP, and Whole30 friendly? The good news is this Paleo Cauliflower Shepherds Pie does just that!

How To Make Cauliflower Shepherds Pie

Preheat the oven to 400 F. and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Steam the cauliflower in a pot with 2 inches of water. Allow it to steam for 5-8 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork-tender. Set aside to cool. Once the cauliflower has cooled, combine the coconut oil, and sea salt in a food processor. Blend until it reaches a mashed potato-like consistency.

In a cast-iron skillet, brown the ground meat. Add the sea salt, AIP Marinara Sauce, and coconut aminos. Stir continuously. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and saute for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the rosemary and thyme and stir until combined.

Place the meat mixture into the bottom of a casserole dish and top with the mashed cauliflower. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Can I use Ground Beef Instead?

It is traditional to use Ground Lamb in Shepherds Pie. But, you can also use ground beef, or ground turkey if you desire.

What Side Dish Goes With Cauliflower Shepherds Pie?

This Cauliflower Shepherds Pie is considered a full meal in itself. But, if you are looking to make something to accompany it, I would suggest a simple side salad.

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Cauliflower Shepherds Pie

Yield: 4 Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

This Cauliflower Shepherds Pie is classic comfort food that is filling, flavorful, and delicious. It is made with a creamy cauliflower topping. It is Paleo, AIP, and Whole30 friendly.

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Ingredients

• 1 Cauliflower Head, chopped into florets
• 2 tbsp. Coconut Oil
• 1 lb Ground Lamb, Beef, Turkey, or Bison
• 1 Sweet Yellow Onion, chopped
• 1 Cup Carrots, chopped
• 1 Cup Celery, chopped
• 2 tbsp. AIP Marinara Sauce
• 2 tsp. Coconut Aminos
• 2 tsp. Rosemary
• 2 tsp. Thyme
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper (omit for AIP)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. and prepare a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
2. Steam the cauliflower in a pot with 2-inches of water. Allow it to steam for 5-8 minutes or until the cauliflower is fork-tender. Once the cauliflower has cooled, combine with the coconut oil and 1/4 tsp. sea salt in a food processor. Blend until it reaches a mashed potato-like consistency.
3. In a cast-iron skillet, brown the ground lamb. Add the sea salt, black pepper (if using), the AIP Marinara Sauce and Coconut Aminos. Stir to combine. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and saute for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the Rosemary and Thyme.
4. Place the meat mixture into the bottom of a casserole dish and top with the mashed cauliflower.
5. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

Notes

It is traditional to use Ground Lamb when making Shepherds Pie. But, you can also use ground beef, turkey, or bison instead.

Would you like a more cheesy like flavor with your Shepherds Pie? You can add Nutritional Yeast to the cauliflower in the food processor before blending.

Nutrition Information

Yield 4 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 622 Total Fat 40g Saturated Fat 19g Trans Fat 0g Unsaturated Fat 17g Cholesterol 178mg Sodium 891mg Carbohydrates 15g Net Carbohydrates 0g Fiber 6g Sugar 7g Sugar Alcohols 0g Protein 51g