Delicious Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: Packed with Nutrition
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy dish to enjoy for dinner? Look no further than this Shepherd’s Pie Nutrition Loaded Vegan, Low Carb & Low Fat Recipe! This recipe offers the perfect combination of traditional flavors with a healthy twist, making it a great option for anyone trying to eat healthier or follow a specific diet.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is cauliflower, which is used to make the mashed cauliflower topping. Not only is cauliflower low in carbs and calories, but it also provides an abundance of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Additionally, this recipe swaps out traditional ground beef for roasted veggies or another protein substitute, making it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those on a plant-based diet.
This Shepherd’s Pie Nutrition Loaded Vegan, Low Carb & Low Fat Recipe provides all of the deliciousness of a traditional shepherd’s pie without any of the excess fat and calories. The hearty vegan substitute ensures that you’ll still feel full and satisfied after eating this meal, while the low-carb cauliflower mash adds both flavor and nutrition.
So go ahead and try this healthy version of your favorite classic dish – your taste buds (and your body!) will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a tasty meal that’s both healthy and hearty, look no further than this nutrition loaded vegan shepherd’s pie recipe. With its low carb and low fat ingredients, you’ll be able to indulge guilt-free while still satisfying your cravings.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is due to the use of cauliflower. This versatile vegetable provides a perfect low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes in the traditional recipe. When combined with roasted veggies and hearty vegan beef crumbles, you get a filling meal that keeps you full for hours.
Not only is this recipe great for your waistline, but it’s also easy on your conscience. This vegan version of the classic dish eliminates animal products without sacrificing flavor. So whether you’re trying to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet, or are simply looking to decrease your carbon footprint, this shepherd’s pie has got you covered.
Furthermore, this recipe ingredients list is simple and affordable, making it accessible to everyone. Grab some extra virgin olive oil, a head of cauliflower florets, and some vegan beef crumbles at your local grocery store, and you’re good to go.
Lastly, if all that wasn’t enough to convince you, imagine walking into your home after a long day at work, only to be greeted with the fragrant scent of herb-infused pie cauliflower mash fresh out of the oven. You’ll be itching to dive in with a fork and enjoy all the nutritious goodness this hearty vegan shepherd’s pie has to offer.
In summary, there are many reasons why you’ll love this nutrition loaded vegan shepherd’s pie recipe. From its low-carb cauliflower topping to its hearty vegan beef crumbles and wholesome roasted veggies – not to mention its affordability – it truly is a dish worth making again and again.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this nutrition loaded vegan, low carb and low fat Shepherd’s Pie recipe:
For the cauliflower mash topping:
- 5 cups of cauliflower florets
- 1/4 cup of low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the ground beef (alternatively, use raw vegan or hearty vegan):
- 1 tablespoon of avocado oil
- 2 cups chopped roasted veggies such as carrots, onions, celery
- 1 cup of mushrooms
- 1 pound of ground beef (use plant-based meat for a vegan version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: All ingredients marked can be adjusted according to your daily values.
This recipe guarantees that even with its low-carb ingredient list, it retains the traditional flavors typically associated with Shepherd’s Pie.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients listed previously, it’s time to dive into the heart of this vegan low carb shepherd’s pie recipe!
Step One: Roast and Mash the Cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Cut one head of cauliflower into small florets. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss your cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast the cauliflower in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly golden.
Once your cauliflower is done roasting, transfer it to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Process until smooth.
Step Two: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of avocado oil. Add one large diced onion and sauté until translucent. After which, add in 2 cups chopped roasted veggies such as carrots, green beans, peas or any veggies of your choice.
Next up is adding some texture to this dish. We will use 10 ounces of crumbled firm tofu acting as our “ground beef”. Add it into the skillet by crumbling it into small pieces as you sauté it with the onions and veggies. Then pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth.
Stir in traditional shepherd’s pie spices such as thyme, rosemary, salt, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper. Continue cooking for about ten minutes or until everything is blended perfectly.
Step Three: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven again to 350°F (175°C). Grab a square baking pan and layer it with the flavorful filling at the bottom then spread on top gently mashed cauliflower , about an inch thick so that it will brown evenly while baking. Make sure you cover all corners well so that every bite gets some delicious cauliflower mash.
Carefully put your baking pan in the oven and bake for around 20 -30 minutes until fork tender cauliflower develops a crispy golden layer on top. When done remove it from oven and let cool down for at least ten minutes before cutting into squares.
Voila! Your sizzling hot vegan shepherd’s pie is now ready to be served on any day for lunch or dinner! It’s a mouth-watering savory pie that anyone at home can enjoy – vegans, traditional recipe loaded folks and even anyone after low carb meal without compromising flavor!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put your own spin on this traditional Shepherd’s Pie recipe? Fear not, even though this recipe is loaded with nutrition, it still allows for plenty of room for substitutions and variations.
For my fellow low-carb enthusiasts out there, try replacing the potatoes used in the traditional recipe with mashed cauliflower topping. Not only will you reduce the carb count significantly, but it tastes just as delicious.
If you’re going fully vegan with your shepherd pie, swap out the ground beef for raw vegan proteins such as tempeh or textured vegetable protein. This makes it a hearty vegan shepherd pie which will make your taste buds dance.
For variety in taste, try adding roasted veggies such as carrots, sweet potatoes or even zucchini to pack this dish full of extra nutrition. You can also use any type of ground meat that you prefer to change things up a bit.
Not a fan of olive oil? Simply replace it with avocado oil, coconut oil or other healthy oils that suit your palate.
With these easy substitutions and variations in mind, you can make this already fantastic recipe uniquely yours!
Serving and Pairing
Once your vegan shepherd’s pie is out of the oven, still bubbling with savory anticipation, there are so many options for pairing and serving this hearty dish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family meal or an Instagram-worthy spread, vegan shepherd’s pie can hold its own among other dishes.
Here are some recommendations for serving and pairing:
– A classic side dish to serve with shepherd’s pie is a colorful salad composed of mixed greens, tomatoes, carrots, and a light vinaigrette. The crisp texture and fresh flavor of the salad will complement the richness of the dish.
– For a heartier meal or if you have guests who are big eaters, try pairing your shepherd’s pie with crusty bread or dinner rolls. The bread adds necessary carbohydrates to your meal as well as an extra layer of texture.
– If you’re feeling especially indulgent, you can top your shepherd’s pie with additional vegetables such as roasted broccoli or asparagus. These veggies provide additional nutritional value to the dish while bringing out more depth in the flavors.
– Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is also an excellent main course option on its own because it is nutrition-loaded and filling enough to satisfy hunger pangs.
– As for drinks, you can pair this dish with a glass of red wine or a fruity iced tea. The drink should be light enough to balance out the richness of the mashed cauliflower topping without overpowering the flavors.
Remember that the best way to enjoy vegan shepherd’s pie is by varying your sides and drinks so that every bite remains fresh and exciting. This hearty dish can stand beside any other meal on your menu while still holding its own.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making shepherd’s pie in advance is a great way to save time and effort. You can prepare the dish ahead of time and simply heat it up when you’re ready. This recipe is perfect for this because it reheats very well, and you’ll hardly notice any difference in taste or texture.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up to Step 8 (baking). Instead of baking the pie, cover it with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, just place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Storing the shepherd’s pie is simple. If there are leftovers, just let it cool to room temperature, cover with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you’re ready to eat again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until piping hot.
If you plan on freezing some portions of the shepherd’s pie, prepare them as outlined above by covering them with foil or plastic wrap after Step 8 (before baking). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months.
When ready to use from frozen, simply bake at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour (or until fork-tender) before reheating at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes – this will give you perfect results every time.
Keep in mind that the cauliflower topping may turn slightly brown after reheating. But don’t worry – this doesn’t affect its flavor or nutritional values. Just aim to consume within five days after cooking for maximum freshness!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect Shepherd’s Pie, here are some tips that will greatly help you in achieving tender and mouthwatering results that will leave your dinner guests wanting more.
Firstly, when preparing the cauliflower topping, make sure to chop the cauliflower florets into relatively smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Overcooking the cauliflower will result in a mushy texture, so check it regularly while it bakes.
When making the vegan shepherd pie filling, consider using roasted veggies rather than boiling them; roasting them adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish. Additionally, try using avocado oil instead of other oils as it has a high smoke point and imparts no taste or odor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of oil or butter when sautéing the vegetables.
To make the filling taste like traditional ground beef, substitute it with crumbled ground tofu or other similar-tasting vegan meat substitutes. The best way to cook tofu is by lightly frying it first in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crispy.
Lastly, if you are following a keto diet and want to reduce your carb intake, consider replacing half of the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower. This gives the pie an added burst of flavor while reducing its carb content.
By following these tips, you can easily turn this hearty vegan shepherd’s pie recipe into one of your favorites any day of the week!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a nutrition-loaded, low-carb, and low-fat alternative to the traditional recipe that is packed with flavors and hearty ingredients. If you are looking for a healthy yet savory meal that offers all the comfort your taste buds crave without sacrificing all your daily values, this recipe is for you.
The heartiness of this recipe will satisfy even the biggest appetites and provide you with plenty of vegetables and protein to fuel your body. The mashed cauliflower topping offers a creative twist on the traditional potato topping, with fewer carbs and more nutrients.
Substituting ground beef with roasted veggies or a vegan beef substitute will make it an extra healthy option, while still being delicious. Whatever variation you choose, know that your taste buds and body will thank you.
If you’re looking for a perfect match, pair it with avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil to add healthy fat to your diet. You can also add some greens or a salad as a side for an even healthier meal.
So go ahead, indulge in this hearty and flavorful Low Carb Vegan Shepherd Pie. Try out new variations depending on what ingredients you have on hand. And don’t forget to share with friends, family or colleagues if you cook it in large portions or make-ahead meals.
This recipe is designed to keep health as a priority while still bringing all the comfort food feels we love. So get in the kitchen and enjoy!
Shepherd's Pie Nutrition Loaded Vegan, Low Carb & Low Fat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (50 g) packet Knorr Shepherds Pie Mealmaker Mix (I use the Coleman's Brand, but when submitting this recipe, it wouldn't accept "Coleman's Shepherds )
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 2 cups mashed broccoli and cauliflower (see my recipe for this, or make your own, this will add a mega dose of Vitamins A,C & E)
- 1 (12 ounce) veggie crumbles (I use "Lightlife" which has 0 grams of fat and 14 grams of protein)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Take the veggie crumbles into a pan. Add the Coleman's mix (this is basically the gravy that makes this pie famous) and enough water until the gravy is just a little bit watery, but still on the "thick" side. (remember, the moisture from the frozen peas and carrots will dilute and add to the water content, so you want to keep that gravy only a little watery).
- Add frozen peas & carrots and mix everything together until heated. About 5 minutes.
- Pour everything into an oven backing dish and cover with cauliflower and broccoli puree instead of using mashed potatos. (This will add A LOT of vitamins and nutrients instead of using potatos which would spike your blood sugar).
- Place into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Let the pie set for about 5 minutes before cutting it up and serving.
- Enjoy without guilt!
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.