Craving comfort food on a low-carb or ketogenic diet? The Keto Shepherd’s Pie Recipe delivers all the cozy, hearty satisfaction of a classic shepherd’s pie—without the carb overload. Traditionally made with mashed potatoes and a meaty base, shepherd’s pie can quickly become a carb-heavy dish. But with a few smart swaps, this keto version offers the same savory, rich flavors while keeping carbs in check.
This low-carb twist replaces starchy mashed potatoes with creamy mashed cauliflower, while still maintaining the savory ground meat filling, rich with vegetables and seasoned to perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or as a satisfying dish for any night of the week. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 360 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 8g
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Net Carbs: 5g
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Protein: 22g
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Fat: 27g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on exact ingredients used.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Active Time: 30 minutes
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Resting Time: 5 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Cuisine: American, British
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Course: Main Course
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Servings: 6
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Calories per Serving: ~360 kcal
Equipment Needed
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Saucepan or pot (for cauliflower)
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Food processor or potato masher
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9×13 baking dish or casserole dish
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Spatula or wooden spoon
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Oven
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
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1.5 lbs ground beef (or ground lamb for a more traditional version)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chopped mushrooms
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1/2 cup diced carrots (optional – for slightly higher carb tolerance)
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1/2 cup celery, chopped
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1/4 cup tomato paste
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos for strict keto)
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp dried rosemary
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
For the Cauliflower Mash Topping:
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1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
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2 tbsp butter
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1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for a cheesy top)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh chives (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower Mash
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for about 8-10 minutes, until fork-tender.
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Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (important for a non-watery mash).
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Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor or use a potato masher. Add butter, sour cream (or cream cheese), salt, and pepper.
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Blend or mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Meat Filling
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent (about 3 minutes).
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Add ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in mushrooms, celery, and carrots (if using), and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
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Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos), herbs, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Spoon the meat mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
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Spread the cauliflower mash on top of the meat filling, smoothing with a spatula to cover fully.
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(Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mash for a golden, cheesy crust.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the pie is bubbling around the edges.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped chives, if desired.
Tips & Variations
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Make it Dairy-Free: Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter, and replace sour cream with full-fat coconut cream.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.
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Cheesy Upgrade: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella to the cauliflower mash for an extra creamy texture.
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More Veggies: Zucchini, spinach, or green beans can be added to the filling for additional nutrients.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mix for a spicier version.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
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Low in carbs, high in healthy fats and protein
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Family-friendly, even non-keto eaters love it
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Freezer-friendly for batch cooking and meal prep
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A perfect replacement for traditional comfort food classics
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Great way to sneak veggies into meals in a delicious and satisfying way
Conclusion
The Keto Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is a wholesome, rich, and satisfying dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its velvety cauliflower mash and savory meat and veggie base, it’s a keto dream come true. Whether you’re trying to impress dinner guests or just want to curl up with a bowl of warm comfort, this shepherd’s pie will never disappoint. Simple, hearty, and delicious—this is low-carb cooking at its finest.

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.