This Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and hearty dish that layers seasoned ground meat with sweet veggies and creamy mashed potatoes on top. Yum!
I love how the mashed potatoes make it so comforting. Whether it’s a chilly night or just a cozy dinner, this pie always hits the spot! Plus, it’s gluten-free—what’s not to like? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are great for their creamy texture. If you can’t find them, russet potatoes work well too. A tip: use leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker prep!
Ground Meat: While beef or lamb is traditional, you can try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, plant-based ground meat works wonderfully and mimics the texture.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delicious flavor. For dairy-free eaters, consider using a vegan cheese alternative. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a lighter dish.
Flour or Cornstarch: Gluten-free all-purpose flour is my go-to, but you can use cornstarch instead for thickening if that’s what you have on hand. Just mix it with a little water first to avoid clumps!
How Do I Get the Potatoes Creamy and Smooth?
Mashing potatoes to the perfect smoothness is key for topping. Here’s how I do it:
- Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
- Drain well to remove moisture. Too much water can make them runny.
- Add butter and milk while mashing, letting it melt in for a creamy texture.
- A hand mixer can give them an ultra-smooth finish, if you prefer it that way.
How to Make Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 lbs potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (use dairy-free milk if preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or plant-based ground meat substitute for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth (gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (plus fresh thyme sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This gluten-free shepherd’s pie will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’re looking at about 40 minutes until you can enjoy this hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when it’s time to bake your shepherd’s pie!
2. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
In a large pot, boil your chopped potatoes in salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes with the butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set them aside for later.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
While your potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant.
4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook it until browned, using a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
5. Add Flavorings:
Stir in the tomato paste, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients will give your filling great flavor!
6. Thicken the Mixture:
Sprinkle the gluten-free flour (or cornstarch) over the meat mixture, stirring well to coat everything. Cook this mixture for another 1-2 minutes to cook out any raw flour taste.
7. Add the Broth:
Gradually pour in the broth, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. If you’re using frozen peas, now’s the time to add them in as well!
8. Assemble the Pie:
Transfer your meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, spoon the creamy mashed potatoes on top and smooth them out with a spatula. If you like cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the potatoes.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the shepherd’s pie warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, russet potatoes can also be used. Just keep in mind that they may result in a slightly different consistency.
What if I Don’t Have Ground Meat?
No problem at all! You can substitute ground beef or lamb with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian take, use a plant-based ground meat substitute that you prefer!
Can This Dish Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the filling and the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just combine them in the baking dish and pop it in the oven!
How Should Leftovers Be Stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth before reheating!
