ADVERTISEMENT
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the oven is ready for baking once the pie is assembled.
Step 2: Cook and Mash the Cauliflower
Place 7 oz of cauliflower florets in a pot of boiling water. Cook until the cauliflower becomes tender, which should take about 10 minutes.
Drain the cooked cauliflower thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the mash.
Using a potato masher, mash the cauliflower until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, you can also use a blender or food processor.
Stir in 2 tbsp milk and 1 tbsp cream cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mash until all the ingredients are combined and the mixture is creamy. Set aside the mashed cauliflower.
Step 3: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the 1/4 finely chopped medium red onion, 1/4 diced medium carrot, and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook the vegetables until they are soft and fragrant, which will take about 5 minutes.
Add 4 oz ground lean beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Stir in 1 oz frozen peas and 1 oz frozen corn. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes until the peas and corn are warmed through. Season the beef mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture into an oven-safe glass dish or baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
Take the mashed cauliflower and spread it evenly over the beef and vegetable mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake
Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top of the mashed cauliflower is lightly golden.
Once done, remove the pie from the oven.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the top of the pie with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy your Beef and Cauliflower Pie!
Cooking Tips:
Substitute the Meat: You can substitute ground beef with other lean proteins such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Use Fresh or Frozen Vegetables: While frozen peas and corn work well in this recipe, feel free to substitute with fresh vegetables if available. Just be sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the pie.
Make the Cauliflower Creamier: If you prefer an even creamier mashed cauliflower topping, you can increase the amount of cream cheese or add a little extra milk.
Make-Ahead Tip: This pie can be assembled a day ahead of time and baked when ready to serve. Simply refrigerate the assembled pie and bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Storage:
In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
In the Freezer: If you want to make this dish ahead of time and freeze it, assemble the pie but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge, and bake as instructed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
(Approximate values based on available ingredients)
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 21g
Total Fat: 21g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
FAQs:
Can I use a different vegetable for the topping?
Yes! You can substitute mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even a mix of cauliflower and broccoli if you prefer a different topping.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the milk with a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk) and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the cauliflower mash.
How can I make the pie more flavorful?
Add more herbs and spices to the beef mixture such as thyme, rosemary, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided all ingredients such as the cream cheese and sauces used do not contain any hidden gluten.
Can I meal prep this pie for the week?
Yes, the pie stores well in the fridge and can be portioned out into individual servings for easy meal prep throughout the week.
Conclusion:
This Beef and Cauliflower Pie is a wonderful, nutritious twist on the classic shepherd’s pie. The creamy cauliflower topping paired with a flavorful beef and vegetable filling provides a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s not only delicious but also offers an opportunity to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether you’re serving it to your family for dinner or prepping it ahead of time for easy lunches, this pie is sure to become a favorite. With its versatility in ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs. Try it today for a comforting meal that’s both light and flavorful!