Skillet Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ghee
divided
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 green pepper
chopped
- 3-4 large carrots
peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
minced
- 1 head cauliflower
*See notes- you can also do mashed russet or sweet potatoes!
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 2 tsp salt
divided
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
divided, or beef broth if you can find compliant!
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder
mixed with 1 tbsp water in a small dish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
for serving, optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375. Cut up your cauliflower into florets and boil a large pot of water. Cook the cauliflower for 15-20 mins until soft and easily pierced with a fork.
- 2
While the cauliflower is cooking, you can make the filling. First brown the beef. Heat 1 tbsp of the ghee over medium heat in a large cast iron (or oven-safe) skillet and add the beef. Saute until browned and cooked through. Drain the fat, remove the beef from the pan, and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, add onions, peppers, and carrots and saute until they begin to soften, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic and stir another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Add in the ground beef back into the pan along with 1 tsp of salt and stir to combine. Add in the coconut aminos, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, 1 cup chicken or beef broth, and arrowroot powder/water mix (this is called a slurry- it helps to thicken the filling). Bring everything to a soft boil over medium high heat, then lower heat to low and let it simmer and thicken for about 10 minutes.
- 5
Finish the cauliflower mash. Once cooked, drain the cauliflower florets and add back into the pot. Add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and a dash of pepper to the pan. Use a potato masher to break it up. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until soft and fluffy.
- 6
Add the cauliflower mash on top of the filling and spread it out evenly. Bake the skillet for 15 mins at 375, followed by 5-10 mins under the broiler until browned and crispy around the edges. Top with freshly chopped parsley and serve. Enjoy!
Skillet Shepherd's Pie
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About this Recipe
Looking for that ultimate comfort food fix without the fuss? This Skillet Shepherd's Pie brings all the hearty, savory goodness you crave, made right in one pan for an easy weeknight meal that truly satisfies.
What sets this Skillet Shepherd's Pie apart is its smart, one-pan approach, which means less cleanup and more flavor development directly in your skillet. The rich, savory ground beef filling comes alive with aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, while the versatile topping—whether you choose light and fluffy cauliflower or classic mashed potatoes—delivers perfect comfort in every bite. The use of ghee adds a wonderfully rich base to the dish.
You can expect a deeply satisfying meal, packed with tender grass-fed ground beef, sweet carrots, and aromatic green pepper and onion. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of earthy herbs and a touch of savory depth from the coconut aminos and tomato paste. The creamy topping, whether cauliflower or potato, provides a delightful contrast to the robust filling, making for a truly comforting and balanced dish that feels both hearty and wholesome. It’s a complete meal that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
The beauty of this Skillet Shepherd's Pie lies in its adaptability. While cauliflower mash provides a lighter, equally creamy topping, you can easily swap it for classic mashed russet or sweet potatoes based on your preference, as noted in the recipe. For the filling, feel free to use compliant beef broth instead of chicken broth if you desire an even deeper, more robust flavor profile. If you don't have ghee on hand, you can substitute with another cooking fat.
This Skillet Shepherd's Pie is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish and serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, inviting presentation.