Mashed Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie (Whole30, Gluten free, Dairy free, Soy-free, Nut-free)

We love this warm and comforting dish. It’s healthy, family-friendly, easy, veggie-packed, delishhh. Go ahead and try this Shepherd’s Pie, it’s so good.


Cast iron pan filled with cauliflower shepherd's pie. A wood spoon is starting to dig into the pie.

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Let the cooking begin!

The steps:

  • Start by chopping all the veggies you’ll need for the Shepherd’s Pie. This will be the cauliflower, onion, mushrooms, and garlic.
  • You’re going to boil the cauliflower in a pot of water with the water just covering the cauliflower. This will boil while you make the filling.
  • In a large cast iron skillet, you’re going to brown the ground beef a little, and then start adding veggies and stir and cook until they are cooked through.
  • Next, you’ll season the filling mixture with salt, pepper (omit if nightshade-free), and Italian seasoning.
  • When the cauliflower is fork-tender, blend it until smooth with added extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper (omit if nightshade-free).
  • Make sure the meat and veggie filling is spread evenly throughout the pan, and then pour the mashed cauliflower over it.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it just starts to brown on top.
  • That’s it! Enjoy!
Cast iron skillet with meat and veggies cooking.

Substitutions:

  • If you tolerate potatoes well, you can always use mashed potatoes instead of mashed cauliflower for the topping.
  • Butter or ghee can be subbed for extra virgin olive oil in the topping.
  • You can omit the turmeric.
  • Ground turkey can be subbed for ground beef.
  • You can use most veggies for the filling. Zucchini and broccoli would also be good in the filling.

Suggested kitchen items:

  • Lodge Dutch oven. This thing is heavy duty. I use it for this pulled pork, soup, hash, artisan bread, or any large meal.
  • Blendtec blender. This is one of my absolute favorite appliances in my kitchen.
  • Stainless steel measuring utensils. The spoons are my favorite, because they fit in spice jars. I also love using stainless steel, instead of plastic.
  • Silicone oven mitts. I love using silicone oven mitts, because they totally protect your hands, unlike the fabric ones I’ve used in the past. I use this set daily.
  • Teak wood spoon. This set is beautiful. I love using wooden utensils, because they don’t scratch your pots and pans.
  • Garlic press. Oh man, I love this thing. No more fiddling with garlic cloves, you just smash them instead.

I hope you love this recipe, and would love to hear about how making it went for you! Share with me in the comments below, on Pinterest, or @whitsfoodfit on Instagram.

Cauliflower Shepherd’s Pie

(Whole30, GF, DF, Soy-free, Nightshade-free option)
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Mashed Cauliflower

  • 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more if needed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp sea salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp cracked black pepper omit to make nightshade-free

Filling

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 lb organic grass-fed ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms diced
  • 1½ cups frozen mixed veggies (carrot, peas, green beans, etc.)
  • 3 cloves garlic diced/pressed
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper omit to make nightshade-free

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400F or 204C.
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add cauliflower and cook until fork tender.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet, add the avocado oil, and add the ground beef. Break it into smaller chunks.
  • Add onions, celery, and mushrooms to the beef and stir together. Cook for a few minutes.
  • Then add the mixed veggies and continue to cook, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the veggies and beef are cooked through, add the garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  • Add the olive oil, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper then blend or pulse until smooth like mashed potatoes.
  • Cover the meat and veggie filling with the mashed cauliflower, then pop it in the oven for 20 minutes, or until it starts to brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and serve into bowls. Let cool slightly before eating.

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