Healthier Shepherd's Pie

This weekend while celebrating my brother's birthday in San Francisco my mom made Shepherd's Pie. Ground lamb and beef, fresh carrots, and truffle whipped mashed potatoes made for the perfect more-ish comfort food meal. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since! But now, back on track with my health after a very indulgent 4 days, I decided to make a healthier version.

Inspired by this recipe from Delish, the beef is switched for turkey and cauliflower subbed for potatoes, but to be honest it's still hearty, warm, and perfectly warming for this weird slushy snowy day.

Healthier Shepards Pie

Serves 4

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas and carrots)
  • 1 T Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 T ketchup
  • 2 T flour
  • 2/3 c beef stock
  • 1 bags frozen cauliflower
  • 2 T light cream cheese
  • 1/4 c milk
  • Salt and pepper

Place the frozen cauliflower in a large saucepan or steamer. Add 1 c water, cover and place over medium high heat. Steam while you're making the meat filing, until completed defrosted and soft. Drain and set aside.

In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onions and saute, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add the ground turkey and cook, chopping with a wooden spoon, until broken up and cooked all the way through.

Add the bag of frozen vegetables and stir into the meat. Heat until defrosted.

Add the Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, along with some salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle the whole mixture with flour and mix to combine. Add the broth, turn the heat to medium low, and stir until the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat.

Return the steamed cauliflower back to the pot. Add the cream cheese, milk, salt and pepper and mash with a potato masher until smooth.

Spread the mashed cauliflower over the meat mixture. If you want, turn your broiler on and broil in the pan until golden on top...or, just eat as is.

Nutrition Information: 374 calories (13.3g fat, 36 g carbs, 26.9g protein)

RecipeSophie Jewkesdinner, weeknight dinner