Healthy Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb)
• 3 medium carrots
• 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 large yellow onion (or white onion)
• 1 rib celery
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3/4 cup beef stock (or bone broth)
• 1 teaspoon coconut aminos
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 pounds russet potatoes ((about 6-7 medium potatoes))
• 1/3 cup coconut milk (full fat)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (or clarified butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat and bring to a full boil.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, peel and dice the onion, dice the celery, peel and cut the carrots into coins, and mince the garlic. If using fresh green beans, trim the ends and cut the beans into ½ inch pieces.

3. 3

   Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into 2-inch cubes. Add the potatoes to the boiling water. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the filling.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground meat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the onion, carrot, celery, green beans, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

5. 5

   Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, herbs, and salt. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.

6. 6

   When potatoes are fork tender, remove from the heat and drain through a colander. Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

7. 7

   To the potatoes, add coconut cream, ghee, salt and pepper. Use a potato masher or electric mixer on medium speed to blend, just until smooth. (Avoid over mixing, which can result in pasty mashed potatoes. If needed, add more coconut milk to reach a creamy consistency.)

8. 8

   Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the filling (I like to leave a little open space on the edges so it bubbles over a tiny bit. Those crispy pieces are my favorite!)

9. 9

   Bake casserole in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the potatoes begin to get crispy on top.

10. 10

    Remove from the oven and garnish with additional pepper and/or fresh thyme or parsley, if desired. Divide among four plates and serve while warm.