Looking for a delightful twist on comfort food? Look no further than this Spiced-Up Shepherd’s Pie with Curried Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Topping! This isn’t your standard shepherd’s pie; it’s a flavor-packed sensation that brings together an array of spices, savory ground beef, and wholesome vegetables. The topping of creamy mashed cauliflower and sweet potatoes not only adds a unique twist but also provides a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is bound to become one of your family favorites—a cozy and satisfying meal that caters to diverse tastes.
What makes this dish stand out? The infusion of warm curry spices elevates the traditional shepherd’s pie while maintaining its comforting essence. With the fragrant aromas of cinnamon, curry powder, and garam masala wafting through your kitchen, you’ll find yourself salivating at the thought of that first bite. The synchronization of the hearty filling and the creamy topping delivers a balanced meal that satisfies the soul, not to mention it’s gluten-free, making it a versatile option for everyone at the dinner table.
This Spiced-Up Shepherd’s Pie is not just about delicious flavors; it’s also an excellent source of nourishment. Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the variety of vegetables, you can feel good serving this to your loved ones. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family meal or looking to whip up some nutritious meal prep for the week, this recipe is sure to deliver comfort, flavor, and a sense of joy to the dinner experience.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced-Up Shepherd’s Pie
- Deliciously Different: A unique flavor profile with warm spices that creates an unforgettable comfort food experience.
- Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with protein and vegetables, providing both satisfaction and nourishment.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this dish accessible for even the busiest cooks.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers can easily be stored and reheated for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Gluten-Free Goodness: A wholesome choice for those with dietary restrictions or gluten sensitivities.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into creating this sumptuous shepherd’s pie, preparing your kitchen and workspace is essential to ensure success. Start by clearing off your counter space and gathering all your ingredients and tools. You will need a large mixing bowl for the filling, a baking dish (9×13 inches works great), a pot for steaming the cauliflower, and a food processor (or masher) for the topping. Having all your ingredients chopped and ready to go can significantly speed up the cooking process, so take time to dice vegetables and measure spices to keep everything organized.
For cooking, a sauté pan will come in handy for the beef and vegetable filling, while a baking sheet is required for roasting the sweet potatoes. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure everything cooks evenly when it’s time to bake. Set your workspace up like a mini-restaurant kitchen to create an efficient, enjoyable cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 package ButcherBox ground beef
- 1 cup butternut squash, small dice
- 1 cup carrots, small dice
- 1 cup peas (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 can (15.5 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp curry powder (such as muchi curry)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ⅓ cup beef stock
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 sweet potatoes
- ½ tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ghee or butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start with the sweet potatoes: rinse each one thoroughly, prick them with a fork a few times, and place them on a baking sheet. They’ll need around 1 hour to roast, or until tender. After roasting, let them cool slightly, then peel the skin off and set aside.
Next, focus on the cauliflower! Cut it into florets and steam them for about 10 minutes or until tender. Once done, it’s time to combine both the cauliflower and sweet potatoes. In a food processor, blend them together with ghee and spices until you achieve a smooth consistency. You can also decide to mash them by hand if you prefer a chunkier texture. Set this creamy concoction aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Vegetable Filling
Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Let it cook for about 1 minute, breaking it up with a spatula. Once browned, add in the minced garlic, diced onion, butternut squash, and carrots. The goal is to sauté everything together until the onions turn translucent. This step ensures that all the flavors meld perfectly!
Afterward, sprinkle in your spices: cinnamon, curry powder, and garam masala. Stir the mixture to combine and then introduce the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes—enough time for those flavors to meld beautifully. Lastly, fold in the garbanzo beans and peas, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
Now that both components are ready, it’s time to bring them together! Take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and pour in the hearty beef and vegetable mixture. If you’d like to portion this dish into smaller servings for meal prep, feel free to divide it among smaller containers. Spread the creamy cauliflower and sweet potato topping evenly over the filling, creating a nice seal.
Step 4: Bake
Pop the assembled shepherd’s pie into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the topping should turn a lovely golden color while everything inside heats through. Once it’s done, remove the baking dish from the oven, and get ready to savor this mouthwatering dish!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute ground beef with turkey, lamb, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.
- Spices: Change up the spices! Add chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the beef; it should remain juicy and flavorful!
- If using fresh peas, add them at the end to maintain their vibrant green color and crunch.
- You can prepare the filling and topping in advance and assemble the pie just before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair it with crusty gluten-free bread to soak up the flavors.
Tips
- For more depth of flavor, let the filling sit for an hour before assembling the pie.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness just before serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: 28g per serving
- Sodium: 700mg per serving
FAQs
Can I make this shepherd’s pie in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and the topping ahead of time, then assemble and bake it just before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This shepherd’s pie freezes well. Just make sure you cool it completely, then store it in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of ghee?
Butter or any other type of oil can serve as a substitute for ghee if you’re looking for alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The flavors are mild enough for children while still being enjoyable for adults too. It’s a family-friendly dish!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Spiced-Up Shepherd’s Pie with Curried Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Topping is a fantastic dish to add to your weeknight cooking roster. It combines the traditional comfort of shepherd’s pie with aromatic spices that make it exciting and new. Encourage your family to experiment with variations to find their favorite twist on this classic dish. We’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, and variations in the comments below. Share the joy of creating and enjoying this hearty recipe with your friends and family!
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Spiced-Up Shepherd’s Pie with Curried Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Topping
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Looking for a delightful twist on comfort food? This Spiced-Up Shepherd’s Pie with Curried Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Topping is a flavor-packed sensation.
Ingredients
- 1 package ButcherBox ground beef
- 1 cup butternut squash, small dice
- 1 cup carrots, small dice
- 1 cup peas (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 can (15.5 oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp curry powder (such as muchi curry)
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ⅓ cup beef stock
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 sweet potatoes
- ½ tsp curry powder
- ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ghee or butter
Instructions
- To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start with the sweet potatoes: rinse each one thoroughly, prick them with a fork a few times, and place them on a baking sheet. They’ll need around 1 hour to roast, or until tender. After roasting, let them cool slightly, then peel the skin off and set aside.
- Next, focus on the cauliflower! Cut it into florets and steam them for about 10 minutes or until tender. Once done, it’s time to combine both the cauliflower and sweet potatoes. In a food processor, blend them together with ghee and spices until you achieve a smooth consistency. You can also decide to mash them by hand if you prefer a chunkier texture. Set this creamy concoction aside for later.
- Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Let it cook for about 1 minute, breaking it up with a spatula. Once browned, add in the minced garlic, diced onion, butternut squash, and carrots. The goal is to sauté everything together until the onions turn translucent.
- Afterward, sprinkle in your spices: cinnamon, curry powder, and garam masala. Stir the mixture to combine and then introduce the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef stock. Allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes—enough time for those flavors to meld beautifully. Lastly, fold in the garbanzo beans and peas, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Now that both components are ready, it’s time to bring them together! Take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and pour in the hearty beef and vegetable mixture. Spread the creamy cauliflower and sweet potato topping evenly over the filling, creating a nice seal.
- Pop the assembled shepherd’s pie into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. During this time, the topping should turn a lovely golden color while everything inside heats through. Once it’s done, remove the baking dish from the oven, and get ready to savor this mouthwatering dish!
Notes
This shepherd’s pie can be adjusted with different proteins and vegetables to suit your tastes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Protein: 28 g