Keto Shepherds Pie
A hearty, comforting casserole of savory ground lamb and beef simmered in rich gravy under a fluffy, buttery cauliflower-cheddar mash. At just 7.5g net carbs per serving and ready in about 55 minutes, it delivers all the cozy classic flavor without the potatoes.
Head of Nutrition · June 17, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 6. Values are estimates; brands vary.
This keto shepherd's pie swaps the traditional mashed-potato crown for a silky cauliflower-cheddar mash over a savory lamb-and-beef gravy. It's pure comfort food that fits your low-carb goals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb (or substitute ground beef)
- 0.5 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrot and celery, finely chopped (about 1 small carrot + 2 ribs celery)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp xanthan gum (to thicken gravy)
- 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
- 3 tbsp butter
- 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, plus salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until very tender, about 10-12 minutes, then drain extremely well and pat dry (excess water makes the mash runny).
- 2
While cauliflower cooks, brown the lamb and beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up, about 6-8 minutes. Spoon off most of the rendered fat, leaving about a tablespoon.
- 3
Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the meat and cook until softened, 5-6 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then add beef broth, Worcestershire, and thyme. Simmer 5 minutes, sprinkle in the xanthan gum while whisking, and simmer until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor (or bowl) with butter, cheddar, and heavy cream. Blend or mash until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the meat filling, sealing to the edges, and rough up the top with a fork. Bake 18-20 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & notes
- For an authentic shepherd's pie use all lamb; a lamb-and-beef blend keeps the flavor rich while taming the gaminess and lowering cost.
- Drying the cauliflower thoroughly is the single most important step — wring it in a clean towel if needed so the mash holds its shape instead of weeping.
- Stores well: refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot through.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto shepherds pie?
- Each serving has 7.5g net carbs (11g total carbs minus 3.5g fiber), 462 calories, 30g protein, and 33g fat. This recipe makes 6 generous servings.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes. Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter, use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and either omit the cheddar or use a dairy-free cheese. The mash will be slightly less rich but still creamy.
- Why use cauliflower instead of potatoes?
- Potatoes are far too starchy for keto — a single serving would blow your carb budget. Cauliflower mash with butter, cream, and cheddar mimics the fluffy, savory topping while keeping net carbs under 8g per serving.
