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Shepherd's Pie Comfort Food Dinner

This lighter take on classic shepherd's pie swaps mashed potatoes for a fluffy cauliflower-potato mash that's just as comforting but way less heavy. It's the kind of dinner that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and has everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it's a one-dish wonder that makes cleanup a breeze—every busy mom's dream!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium russet potatoes peeled and cubed
  • 1 small head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1/4 cup low-fat milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 93% lean
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place potatoes and cauliflower in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Drain potatoes and cauliflower, then return to pot. Add milk and 1 tablespoon butter, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. While vegetables cook, brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat and transfer beef to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add onion and carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  5. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.
  6. Return cooked beef to skillet along with frozen peas. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Spread mashed potato-cauliflower mixture evenly over the meat filling. Use a fork to create texture on top (this helps it get crispy!).
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.