Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food: ground meat and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. It’s the perfect dish for a chilly evening. But what if you’re avoiding gluten?
With so many people experiencing gluten sensitivities or living with Celiac disease, it can be hard to enjoy old favorites. That’s where this shepherd pie gluten free recipe comes in!
This recipe swaps out traditional ingredients for gluten-free alternatives, so that everyone can enjoy this classic dish. The recipe can easily be adapted to be dairy-free, too. We’ve even snuck in some extra vegetables for added nutrients. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal!
What is Shepherd’s Pie? Understanding the Basics
Let’s start with the basics. Shepherd’s pie is a savory dish with a ground meat base and a mashed potato topping. But did you know that there’s a slight difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s Pie vs. Cottage Pie
Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, while cottage pie is made with beef. However, in modern usage, the terms are often used interchangeably. You’ll find many recipes that use ground beef and are still labeled as shepherd’s pie.
Key Ingredients
Regardless of whether you call it shepherd’s pie or cottage pie, the key components are the same:
- A hearty filling of ground meat (lamb or beef)
- A mix of vegetables like peas, carrots, and onions
- A rich gravy or sauce to bind it all together
- And of course, a creamy mashed potato topping, typically made with potatoes, butter, and milk or cream
Making it Gluten-Free: Key Considerations and Substitutions
Traditional shepherd’s pie is not gluten-free, but with a few smart substitutions, it can be.
Identifying Gluten Sources in Traditional Shepherd’s Pie
The biggest gluten offender in shepherd’s pie is the gravy, which is often thickened with wheat flour. Some brands of Worcestershire sauce also contain gluten, and cross-contamination can occur in processed ingredients.
Gluten-Free Gravy Options
A number of gluten-free gravy mixes are available on grocery shelves. Orrington Farms is a brand I can recommend.
You can also make a quick and easy gluten-free gravy from scratch. Instead of flour, use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Here’s a basic recipe:
- In a saucepan, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1/2 cup of cold water or broth until smooth.
- Add 2 cups of beef broth to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices.
Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce
Be sure to check labels for gluten-free certification. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce is a certified gluten-free option.
Other Potential Gluten Sources and Solutions
If you’re using pre-packaged broth, make sure it’s gluten-free, too.
The Ultimate Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Craving a hearty, comforting Shepherd’s Pie but need it to be gluten-free? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love, adapted for a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients List
For the Filling:
- 1.5 lbs ground lamb or beef
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- One 14.5-ounce can of beef broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 tablespoons steak sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 pounds red potatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter or dairy-free spread
- 0.5 cup milk or dairy-free milk alternative
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potato topping: Boil the potatoes until they’re fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter (or dairy-free spread), milk (or dairy-free alternative), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the ground meat filling: Brown the ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots and peas to the skillet. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the carrots are slightly tender.
- Stir in the gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, steak sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Pour the meat filling into a baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Spread the mashed potato topping evenly over the filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato topping is lightly golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Results
- Don’t overwork the mashed potatoes: Overmixing can make them gluey.
- Make sure the filling is thick enough: A watery filling will result in a soggy pie. If your filling is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Use high-quality ingredients: This will significantly improve the flavor of your Shepherd’s Pie.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to customize the filling with other vegetables you enjoy, such as corn, celery, or mushrooms.
Dairy-free and vegan adaptations
It’s easy to adjust a shepherd’s pie recipe to fit specific dietary needs.
Dairy-free mashed potato topping
To make a dairy-free mashed potato topping, try these substitutions:
- Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or dairy-free spread.
- Use a plant-based milk substitute such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
- Use some of the water you boiled the potatoes in to add moisture and flavor.
Vegan filling options
To make a vegan shepherd’s pie filling, try these substitutions:
- Replace the ground meat with lentils or crumbled tempeh.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Make sure the Worcestershire sauce you use is vegan, because some brands contain anchovies.
Serving and storing your gluten-free shepherd’s pie
This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven.
Serving suggestions
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Serve alongside a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storing leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until it’s heated through.
Key Takeaways
Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food: warm, filling, and satisfying. The best part is, you don’t have to give up this tasty meal, even if you’re avoiding gluten.
This gluten-free version of shepherd’s pie makes it easy for almost anyone to enjoy this family favorite. And like most recipes, you can tweak it to fit your own tastes and preferences. Add more vegetables, try a different ground meat, or experiment with the spices — make it your own!
This shepherd’s pie is gluten-free, easy to customize, and totally delicious. What are you waiting for? Give it a try!