Shepherd's pie is a classic comfort food that's perfect for a cold night. The recipe has been around for centuries and variations can be found all over the world. Our version uses a cauliflower mash topping instead of potatoes, which makes it lighter, healthier, and just as delicious.
The origins of shepherd's pie are humble. It was first created by shepherds in the United Kingdom. They would use leftover lamb and vegetables to make a hearty and filling meal. Over time, the dish became popular with people of all walks of life. Today, shepherd's pie is a staple in many home kitchens.
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 head of cauliflower, mashed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened.
Stir in the tomato sauce and peas.
Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Spread the cauliflower mixture over the beef mixture.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Why It Works
The cauliflower mash topping is lighter and healthier than traditional potato topping, but it's just as delicious.
The combination of ground beef and vegetables in the filling provides a hearty and flavorful base.
The tomato sauce adds moisture and acidity to the dish, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese.
The Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the topping.