Healthier Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Cottage pie, often referred to as Shepherd’s pie, is a beloved dish that many enjoy. The key distinction lies in the meat: Cottage pie features minced beef, while Shepherd’s pie is made with minced lamb. Regardless of the name, Shepherd’s pie stands out as the ultimate comfort food for chilly days.  In this post, you will learn how to make a delicious shepherd’s pie from scratch. With easy steps and simple ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with this comforting meal. Get ready to discover the secrets to a perfect shepherd’s pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A Shepherd’s Pie is quite easy to make, usually featuring a comforting layer of potatoes on top. However, my husband and I have been mindful of our starch intake lately. Recently, my eldest daughter and I explored some healthier options for this beloved dish. She suggested using mashed cauliflower as a substitute for the potatoes. Since we had some butternut squash and carrots left over from our Easter celebrations, I decided to use those instead.

Butternut squash is not only high in fiber but also loaded with carotenoids, which are great for heart health. Carrots are another fantastic addition, providing a rich source of vitamin A, essential for good vision. They contain beta carotene, which the liver converts into vitamin A. To enhance the nutritional value, I also added Mann’s Power Blend, a combination of “superfood” ingredients known for their impressive amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

This Healthy Shepherd’s Pie recipe is just as easy to prepare as the traditional one you may remember.

Butternut Squash & Carrots Healthier Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• Half a package of Mann’s Power Blend. Mann’s Power Blend  contains kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, carrots and broccoli.
• 1 tablespoon Litehouse Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• Dash or two of seasoning. I used Epicure Garlicky Gill topping.
• 1 lb of lean hamburger. For a healthier alternative substitute with ground chicken or turkey. For a vegan Sheppard’s pie- use lentils in substitute of beef.
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables. ( I used Green Giant frozen mixed vegetables. Alternatively, you can add whatever vegetables you have on hand.)
• 2 cans tomato paste. You can also use salsa in substitute of the paste or diced tomatoes.
  
•  4 cups of squash and carrot blend ( you can substitute carrots for Cauliflower. Thanking my daughter for this tip.)

 Step 1

Brown ground beef in large skillet and drain. Add vegetables,  Mann’s Power Blend, dressing, seasoning and simmer 10 minutes or until hot.

Step 2

Add tomato paste and simmer another few min.

Step 3

Cook 1 packaged of mini peeled carrots.

Peel cut and dices two butternut squash into cubes or you can use Mann’s Butternut Squash, which is already cubed, cut and ready to cook. Place the squash in a large pot of water and bring to a boil for 30-45 minutes until the squash has cooked down until it’s tender. Next drain all the water from the squash in a colander and use a plate to press the squash to get any access water out.

Now place the squash in a food processor , along with your cook carrots. Add two table spoons of olive oil and a teaspoon of black pepper and blend until smooth.

Step 4

In a casserole dish, layer the meat filling at the bottom then evenly spread the mash combo of carrots and squash on top.

Place in oven and  bake on 375 for one hour or until golden brown on top. When finished let cool for 10 min, cut and serve.

This healthier recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic dish, making it perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy great flavor without the guilt.

I hope you have enjoyed this healthier shepherd’s pie! I love it if you you make one of my recipes to snap a photo and share it on our Facebook, or Tweet to @Todayswomanco or share on Instagram with the hash tag #todayswomanrecipes.

About Mann Packing

Mann’s is a leading provider of innovative, pre-washed and ready to use fresh veggies. They are one of the largest suppliers of fresh Broccoli and Sugar Snap Peas in North America and carry the distinguished Women’s Business Enterprise National Council certification. They are an industry leading, third-generation supplier of premium fresh vegetables including commodity products and fresh veggie mixes, dishes, and salads. Staying on the cutting edge of package and product innovation has made Mann’s a regarded consumer brand; being vigilant on food safety practices and compliancy regulations has made them a trusted brand among retailers and consumers alike.

Website: veggiesmadeeasy.com