Absolutely deserving of a spot in your list of Top 10 Comfort Foods, Keto Shepherd's Pie is worth every minute of work. Though not complicated, this recipe takes a bit of time, some elbow grease, and a few different cooking methods to achieve perfection. Start by boiling turnips and cauliflower for your mashed potato topping; saute and simmer the rich, savory meat filling; and bake them together until golden. Comfort achieved!
1lbturnipspeeled and cut into quarters or 2-3” chunks
2teaspoonkosher salt
16-ozbagfrozen cauliflower florets
¼cheavy cream
4tablespoonbuttermelted
Cottage Pie
1tablespoonolive oil
1mediumyellow oniondiced to ½”
2stalkscelerydiced to ½”
2mediumcarrotspeeled and diced to ½”
2clovesgarlicminced
2lbground lambor beef
3tablespoontomato paste
½cbeef broth
2tablespoonWorcestershire sauceor coconut aminos
1teaspoondried thyme
1teaspoonkosher salt
½teaspoonground pepper
chopped parsleyto garnish
Instructions
Position a rack in the center of the oven, then heat to 375°F. Lightly mist a casserole dish with olive oil cooking spray.
Place the turnips in a large pot, sprinkle with salt, then fill the pot with enough cold water to cover the turnips by 4”. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium/medium high to maintain a steady boil. Boil the turnips for 8 minutes, then add the cauliflower to the pot. Continue boiling until the turnips and cauliflower are very tender and can be easily mashed with the tines of a fork, about 10 minutes more.
Drain the vegetables, then return to the hot pot. Give them a good toss in the pot so the residual heat can evaporate any remaining liquid clinging to the surface. Add the heavy cream and melted butter, then mash with a potato masher (for chunkier mashed potatoes) or a hand mixer (for smoother mashed potatoes).
Heat a 12” skillet over medium high heat. Add the oil and heat until it shimmers. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and toss to coat in the fat. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, 9-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Break the ground beef or lamb in pieces and add to the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a wood spoon, until no longer pink, 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add the tomato paste and work into the meat and vegetables. Add the beef broth and worcestershire sauce, then season with thyme, salt and pepper. Stir to combine, then allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper.
Transfer the ground beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread into an even layer. Dollop the keto mashed potatoes over the mixture to completely cover the top.
Optional: run the tines of a fork across the mashed potatoes to create ridges.
Transfer to the oven and bake 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are firm and the edges are bubbling.
Rest in the casserole dish for five minutes. Use a large spoon to portion onto plates or bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.
Notes
Variations
Cottage Pie: use ground beef in place of ground lamb. Or, use a combination of both.
Add Cheese: top with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
Coconut Aminos: if you're accustomed to cooking with coconut aminos as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce, feel free to substitute an equivalent amount.