I added a sprinkling of smoked paprika before placing my awesomely tasty Primal Shepherd’s Pie in the oven.

I love comfort food and I never pass up a chance to transform my favorite recipes into healthy, low carb dishes. Since I’m doing the paleo diet this month it’s a good time to put some of the comfort food recipes to the test.

This Shepherd’s Pie recipe, from The Paleo Primer, is wonderfully delicious with buttery cauliflower used in place of traditional mashed potatoes. Packed with veggies and very filling, I didn’t even need the small side-salad I made earlier.

Primal Shepherd’s Pie
Net Carbs: 14g
Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 8
Serving Size: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef, grass-fed
• 2 white onions, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Ghee or grass-fed butter (for Weight Watchers folks not doing Paleo, try olive oil)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 large tbsp. tomato paste
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 c beef stock (optional)

For Cauliflower Mash (recipe doubled for this dish)

• 2 large heads cauliflower, leaves and stem removed
• 2 tbsp Ghee or grass-fed butter
• 2-4 tbsp heavy cream
• salt and pepper to taste

Here’s my first Paleo Shepherd’s Pie. Filling, delicious and provides the healthy comfort food we all crave.

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Heat 1 tsp of Ghee in pan over medium heat; add meat, onions, carrots and garlic in the pan to brown.
• When onions and carrots soften and meat starts to brown, add fresh herbs, paprika, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Mix ingredients and let heat through for another 5 minutes.
• While mixture is cooking, steam cauliflower for 4-5 minutes
• Place cauliflower in a bowl with 2 tbsp of Ghee, cream, salt and pepper. Mash until it is smooth and creamy.
• Place the beef mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. If you would like more gravy with your Shepherd’s Pie, add the beef stock over the mixture.
• Top the beef mixture with the Cauliflower Mash, covering the meat completely.
• Place in the oven and cook for 30-40 minutes, until the topping browns.