Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

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Healthy Shepherd's Pie recipe for Paleo and Whole30 diets

Why Make This Recipe

Healthy Shepherd’s Pie is a perfect dish for anyone looking for a nutritious and comforting meal. This version is Paleo and Whole30 compliant, making it a great option for those following these dietary plans. It’s packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and wholesome ingredients, offering a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to warm up on a chilly day while still enjoying healthy food choices.

How to Make Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

  1. 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or lamb)
  2. 1 yellow onion, diced
  3. 2 carrots, diced
  4. 2 stalks celery, diced
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 cup frozen peas (or chopped green beans)
  7. 2 tbsp tomato paste
  8. 1 cup beef bone broth
  9. 1 tbsp coconut aminos
  10. 1 tsp dried thyme
  11. 1 tsp dried rosemary
  12. 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  13. 3 tbsp ghee or extra virgin olive oil
  14. 0.25 cup beef broth (for mashed potatoes)
  15. Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with ghee and beef broth until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. After it’s browned, remove the beef and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  3. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook for around 8 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, cooking for another minute.
  4. Return the browned beef to the skillet. Mix in the tomato paste, coconut aminos, and beef broth. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens. Add in the peas or green beans.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture in the skillet. Use a fork to create texture on top of the potatoes.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until everything is heated through and the top is golden brown. If you want extra browning, you can broil it for 1–2 minutes. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Healthy Shepherd’s Pie (Paleo & Whole30)

How to Serve Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

Serve Healthy Shepherd’s Pie warm right from the oven. You can pair it with a light salad for a complete meal. This dish can be cut into squares for easy serving and is great for lunch or dinner.

How to Store Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

To store leftover Shepherd’s Pie, let it cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

  • Use fresh herbs if you have them for extra flavor.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety.
  • Make sure to season your mashed potatoes well for the best taste.

Variation

For a dairy-free version, use ghee or olive oil in the mashed potatoes instead of butter. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey for a lighter option.

FAQs

1. Can I make Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it and store it in the refrigerator for a day before baking. Just cover it well to keep it fresh.

2. Is Shepherd’s Pie gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

3. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes would add a nice sweetness and are a great alternative to regular potatoes.