Shepherd’s Pie

This lighter, gluten-free, and dairy-free Shepherd’s Pie features lean ground beef, hearty veggies, and creamy Yukon Gold mashed potato topping—comfort food everyone can enjoy, and nobody will miss a thing!

Related: Looking for more comforting meals and thoughtful ways to care for others? Don’t miss these dairy-free recipes and my favorite gluten-free dishes—perfect for sharing with friends who have special dietary needs.

Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients

Potatoes:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp dairy-free milk
• 1 tbsp plant-based butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Filling:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 10-12 oz frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, peas, green beans)
• 2 tbsp gluten-free flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ½  teaspoon salt
• ¼  teaspoon ground black pepper
• paprika
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie

1. Prepare the Potatoes
   Place peeled and diced potatoes with 1 cup of chicken broth in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release. Add dairy-free milk, plant-based butter, and ½ tsp salt, then blend with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
   
2. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat to 400°F. Prepare a casserole dish with cooking spray.
3. Cook Ground Beef
   In a large sauté pan, brown ground beef with onion and celery over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Add mushrooms, if using, and cook until tender.
   
4. Prepare Filling
   Sprinkle gluten-free flour over the beef mixture, stirring to coat. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and frozen vegetables. Simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
   
5. Assemble Pie
   Spread the meat mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Top with mashed potatoes, spreading evenly to cover. Sprinkle with paprika.
   
6. Bake and Broil
   Bake for 20-25 minutes. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden potato topping.
   
7. Serve
   Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this wholesome, comforting dish!
   

This Recipe Works For These Special Diets

Diabetic-Friendly

• It uses lean protein and vegetables, which have a low glycemic index. 
• Yukon Gold potatoes have a moderate glycemic load, but portion control and pairing with high-fiber veggies help stabilize blood sugar. Tip: Swap half the potatoes with mashed cauliflower to further reduce carbs

Diabetic Exchanges

• Protein: 1 lean meat serving per 3 oz ground beef.
• Starch: 1 serving for ½ cup mashed potatoes.
• Non-starchy vegetables: ~1.5 servings for mixed vegetables, celery, onions, and optional mushrooms.

Gluten-Free

• Uses gluten-free flour for thickening and skips traditional wheat-based sauces.

Dairy-Free

• Replace dairy with plant-based milk and butter for creamy mashed potatoes.

As always, please double-check ingredients and labels to ensure they meet your recipient’s specific dietary needs and restrictions. If you have questions about allergies or specific health concerns, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.

This comforting dish is a great option for anyone needing a dairy- and gluten-free meal without sacrificing taste. It’s simple to make, full of hearty flavor, and perfect for sharing. Don’t forget to print the free meal labels to let your recipient know it’s allergy-friendly and safe for them to enjoy. Then, add a “Made with Love” tag to include a thoughtful touch. Want to make the process even smoother? Check out my meal-taking tips for helpful ideas on sharing food with love and care.