Fluffy, dairy-free mashed potatoes are only the beginning of this hearty, classic dish! The bottom layer of ground beef, veggies, and bone broth makes it a healthy, meal-in-one recipe. 

Name something more cozy and homey than a shepherd’s pie?! This baked casserole has it all — ground beef, veggies, and crispy, golden mashed potato topping. 

My Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Shepherd’s Pie is super satisfying and the epitome of true winter comfort food. 

Now, don’t be overwhelmed by the lengthy ingredient list or instructions! Yes, making a homemade shepherd’s pie is a labor of love but the result is nothing short of incredible. 

None of the ingredients are hard to find, and many of you likely have them in your pantry and fridge right now.

To cut corners, I suggest using a frozen bag of mixed veggies. No chopping is required! 

This hearty dinner is certainly a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect to serve to guests during the holidays or on a Sunday when you have a bit of extra time to spend in the kitchen.

Can’t wait for you to give it a try! Enjoy! 

Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie

The ingredients of a classic shepherd’s pie vary from recipe to recipe. Here’s what you’ll need for my healthified version. 

• Potatoes: Peeled Yukon Gold or butter potatoes are a must for silky, whipped mashed potatoes. 
• Dairy-Free Ingredients: The combo of dairy-free sour cream, unsweetened almond milk, and dairy-free butter adds so much flavor and creaminess to the potatoes. I highly recommend this trio for buttery deliciousness! If you aren’t dairy-free, replace it with regular dairy. 
• Ground Beef: Look for organic, grass-fed, and grass-finished whenever possible. 
• Onion and Garlic: Cook these down in the same pan while the beef is nearly done cooking. 

• Frozen Mixed Veggies: I’m never above a good shortcut! Having a bag of frozen veggies on hand helps simplify things here. 
• Bone Broth: Look for low-sodium beef bone broth. Regular beef broth will also work. 
• Flavorings: Tomato paste, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce elevate the flavor, adding a nice umami taste. 
• Arrowroot Starch: You’ll need this to create a slurry to tighten up the beef mixture. This ensures the base layer isn’t too watery. 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Shepherd’s Pie 

Make the Mashed Potatoes 

Let’s start by making the dreamy mashed potatoes! 

Add the peeled potatoes to a large stock pot and cover with 1 to 2 inches of water.

Bring to a boil, and adjust the heat to allow the potatoes to cook at a slow boil. Boil for 15 to 18 minutes, until fork tender.

Drain, then set the potatoes back on the burner with the lid removed. This helps release some of the moisture of the potatoes, which helps create a fluffy mashed potato.  

Add the sour cream to the potatoes and begin mashing, either with a potato masher or hand mixer. 

Once the potatoes are nearly mashed, add the almond milk and butter. Continue mashing until smooth.

Set aside until you assemble the pie.

Prepare the Beef and Veggies

Once the potatoes are done, go ahead and preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Prepare a 9×13 baking pan or casserole dish by lightly coating it with avocado oil spray.

Add the ground beef to a large stock pot and heat to medium.

Cook until there is just a bit of pink left; remove rendered beef fat using tongs and clean paper towels. Be sure to leave a bit of the fat as that’s where most of the flavor is at!

Add the onions and drizzle with a bit more avocado oil. Stir to incorporate into the ground beef. 

Cook for 5 to 7 more minutes until the meat and onions have browned. Stir occasionally. 

Add the frozen mixed veggies, bone broth, tamari, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, stirring to combine. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. 

In a small measuring cup, create a slurry by whisking together the arrowroot starch and water.

Add the slurry to the beef mixture and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until thick and glossy.

The slurry helps tighten up the beef mixture, which is important for the baking process. 

Assemble the Pie 

When you’re ready to assemble, ladle the beef mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking pan.

Using a spoon or spatula, scoop mashed potatoes onto the beef mixture, spreading evenly with the back of the ladle or spatula. 

Set the baking dish on the prepared sheet pan. 

The prepared sheet pan is important as the mixture may bubble over during cooking! 

Bake and Enjoy!

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the sauce is somewhat bubbling up the sides of the pan and the potatoes turn golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 to 20 before serving. Enjoy!

Other Classic Holiday Recipes:

• Simple Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast with Gravy
• Turkey and Dumplings (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Dairy-Free Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Chuck Roast with Au Jus
• Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole