When the air gets a chill, I reach for cozy meals like this Shephard’s Pie Recipe. This is the perfect recipe for a family, especially if you have picky kiddos. A classic Shepherd’s pie is like a hug in a bowl. It’s layered with satisfying textures and this recipe even packs some hidden veggies.
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It’s cozy season. That means it’s time to reach for those soul-warming soups and casseroles. I am so excited to share this Shepherd’s Pie recipe with you, especially if you struggle with picky eaters. This Shepherd’s Pie topping is half cauliflower, half potato. That means you sneak in the cauliflower while maintaining the mashed potato texture that your picky eaters know and love. It may even be the first time they enjoy cauliflower!
In this recipe, I use my salt-free Okie Rub spice blend from my spice company – The Spice Girl Kitchen. I’m completely biased because it is, after all, my spice recipe and the best salt-free Okie Rub seasoning on the market. But feel free to use whatever smokey seasoning you have on hand.
This post is all about Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (with Cauliflower)!
All About Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic English dish. Traditionally, it was made with either minced lamb or mutton (sheep meat) – hence the reason for the name. The origins can be traced back to the late 18th century. It was first created as a means of using leftover meat. Most recipes these days use ground meats such as beef or turkey since it is more widely available in most grocery stores.
The reason Shepherd’s Pie is so delicious boils down to the use of hearty ingredients. It’s hard to turn down rich and savory meat and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Dish Breakdown
What Meat?
Traditional shepherd’s pie uses minced lamb, but most recipes I have seen these days use beef instead. The meat is usually cooked with onions, carrots, and other vegetables. I recommend using lean ground beef or ground bison!
Mashed Potatoes
The creamy mashed potatoes on top create a comforting and hearty layer that balances the flavors of the meat. I recommend incorporating butter, milk, and cheese into the mashed potatoes to add richness and depth. Today, to make the mashed potatoes lighter and more nutrient-dense, we will be using half potatoes and half cauliflower.
Vegetables
Carrots, peas, and sometimes corn are commonly used vegetables in shepherd’s pie, adding a sweet contrast to the savory meat and providing a wholesome texture to the dish.
Herbs and Spices
A classic Shepherd’s Pie uses herbs like thyme and rosemary. Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and garlic are added to provide a savory and tangy dimension. However, the spices and flavorings are really where you can customize your Shepherd’s pie. Today, I will be using my Okie Rub for an added smokey flavor to the meat, but you could also use my Italian blend if you are into more of an earthy and herby flavor!
Broth or Stock
Broth or stock is often used to add moisture and depth to the meat filling, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that permeates the entire dish.
You May Also Like
If you like this recipe, check out my other recipes that use Okie Rub like:
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Healthy Sloppy Joes
- 5-Ingredient Bison Burger
- Vegan Smokey Black-Eyed Peas
OR click here to view the entire Okie Rub Category!
Store & Reheat
Store
Fridge: Transfer the dish to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Place the dish in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results.
Reheat
Microwave: Place Shepherd’s Pie in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for 1-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating larger amounts, stir halfway through to warm it evenly.*
Stovetop: Not recommended.
Oven: Preheat oven to 350 °F. Place Shepherd’s Pie in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and cook for 8-10 minutes.*
*Total time depends on the amount you are reheating.
Shepherd's Pie Recipe (with Cauliflower!)
Equipment
- Dutch Oven OR 7x11 Casserole Dish
Ingredients
For Mashed Potatoes
- 1 lb Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 small head cauliflower, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Tri-Salt Blend
For Meat Layer
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 large carrots, finely diced
- 3 large celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Okie Rub
- 1 tsp The Spice Girl Kitchen Tri-Salt Blend
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ground black pepper, to taste
- chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
Instructions
For The Mashed Potatoes
- Add potatoes and cauliflower to a large pot and cover with water and a large pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain.
- Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes and cauliflower together. Add in remaining ingredients listed under "for the mashed potatoes" and mash again until everything is well combined and the texture of the mashed potatoes is to your liking. If the potatoes seem dry to your liking, mash in a small splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
For The Meat Layer
- Preheat the oven to 400 ℉.
- In a large skillet or Dutch Oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until it is no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened (about 3-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook 1 additional minute.
- Stir in the Okie Rub, salt, and tomato paste let cook for 1 minute. Pour in the beef broth and deglaze the bottom of the pan by scratching and browned bits.
- Add in the Worcestershire Sauce, frozen peas, and additional pepper to taste. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes. (If making this recipe in a skillet and not a Dutch Oven, transfer the meat mixture to a 7x11 casserole dish before proceeding to the next step.)
- Add the mashed cauliflower and potatoes to the top a spoonful at a time. Once all the mash is added, smooth with a large spoon. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top of the mash is slightly golden. Garnish with parsley, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
Herbs and Spices
A classic Shepherd's Pie uses herbs like thyme and rosemary. Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and garlic are added to provide a savory and tangy dimension. However, the spices and flavorings are really where you can customize your Shepherd's pie. Today, I will be using my Okie Rub for an added smokey flavor to the meat, but you could also use my Italian blend if you are into more of an earthy and herby flavor!Store & Reheat
Store
Fridge: Transfer the dish to a large glass storage container with an airtight lid. Allow it to cool to room temperature before securing the lid (about 30-45 minutes). Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezer: You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Place the dish in the fridge to thaw overnight for best results.Reheat
Microwave: Place Shepherd's Pie in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on high for 1-3 minutes or until heated through. If reheating larger amounts, stir halfway through to warm it evenly.* Stovetop: Not recommended. Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F . Place Shepherd's Pie in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and cook for 8-10 minutes.* *Total time depends on the amount you are reheating.This post was all about Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (with Cauliflower)!
Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag me @thespicegirlkitchen_ on Instagram or @thespicegirlkitchen on TikTok! I love seeing your recreations! I will be your ultimate hype woman!
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