Lightened-Up Shepherd's Pie

Lightened-Up Shepherd's Pie
Lean ground beef makes keeps the fat and calories low here. Cauliflower is mashed with the potatoes to keep carbs down, but still results in a creamy mash. Scallions add a pop of fresh flavor to the topping and tomato paste gives the filling a rich depth of flavor.
Directions for: Lightened-Up Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

1 lb(s) all-purpose potatoes, peeled and quartered

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cored and cut into 1-inch florets

1 bunch scallions, finely chopped

1 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lb(s) lean ground beef

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

3 carrots, halved lengthwise and cut into thin half-moons

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 medium onions, finely chopped

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp tomato paste

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 (10-oz) package frozen peas, thawed

Directions

1. Prepare the topping: Put the potatoes and turnips in a large pot and cover with cold water; season with salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 25 minutes; drain, reserving the pot.

2. Meanwhile, make the filling: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes.Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the fat; add the beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 4 minutes. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms, thyme and tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until incorporated, about 3 minutes.

3. Stir the flour into the vegetables until incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3 more minutes. Stir in the parsley.

4. Preheat the oven to 375F. Finish the topping: Combine the butter and milk in the reserved pot and cook over medium heat until the butter is melted. Return the potatoes and turnips to the pot and mash with a potato masher or wooden spoon until smooth. Stir in the parmesan and chives and season with salt and pepper.

5. Transfer the filling to a 2 1/2-quart baking dish and cover with the topping, spreading evenly. Bake until the topping is golden, about 35 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Source and Credits

Courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

See more: Beef, Bake, Healthy, Legumes, Main, Potatoes, Vegetables