Healthy Cottage Pie Recipe

There's nothing better in the wintertime than the smell of a home-cooked meal.

Whether it's something in the crockpot or something cooking in the oven - it just gives your home a really cozy smell. In this recipe, I want to share something a bit different with you than some of my normal recipes. It takes a little bit more work but it will be so worth it!

 
Healthy Cottage Pie Recipe
 

Let’s get started! Pre-heat your oven to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Savory bottom layer

Ingredients:

  • 1.25 lbs ground meat (free range preferable)

  • ½ medium onion, chopped

  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 medium carrot, shredded

  • 1 medium zucchini, shredded (not peeled)

  • 1 Tb extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 - 1½ tsp Himalayan pink salt or Celtic grey sea salt

  • 1 tsp chilii powder

  • ½ tsp cumin

Mashed cauliflower topping

 Ingredients:

  • 2 small (or 1 large) cauliflower heads

  • 5-6 large roasted garlic cloves*

  • ½ - 1 tsp salt

 Optional top layer

 Ingredients :

  • ½ cup shredded or crumbled organic, whole milk cheese (your choice!)

How to prepare the bottom layer:

 Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and sauté onion + garlic until tender. Add the carrot + zucchini, cook until they start to soften.

  2. Add the ground meat, salt, and spices. Cook until the meat is browned, and very little moisture remains.

How to prepare the cauliflower:

  1. Directions:
    Chop the cauliflower heads into small chunks, and steam until they soften - when a fork can easily pierce.

  2. Add the steamed cauliflower, roasted garlic and salt to a food processor. On low setting, puree until smooth. It may be necessary to use the tamper if you have one. 

Assemble the pie:

Directions:

To assemble your Positively Paleo Pie, distribute the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of an 8-inch baking dish. Spread cauliflower mixture over the top, and bake for 25 minutes.

If you're adding the optional cheese top layer, sprinkle the cheese on top after you bake it, and then broil it until the cheese turns slightly brown (~3 minutes more in the oven). 

*Roasted Garlic Cloves for the Cauliflower Layer

  1. Using a sharp knife, cut ¼ inch from the top of of a whole garlic bulb to expose the individual cloves.

  2. Place bulb (unpeeled) on top of a square of aluminum foil.

  3. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the bulb, just to moisten. Wrap the bulb with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cloves feel soft when pressed.

  4. Once cooled, the whole cloves should push out easily when pressed from the bottom. 

Extra roasted garlic can be used on its own as a spread on bread, crackers, sandwiches, crispbread or veggies.

I hope you enjoy the healthier comfort food version of Cottage Pie. If you would like more healthy recipes click the button below, sign up for the Nutrition and Wellness Library and gain access to recipes, guides and tips on healthy living.