Easy Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie (Dairy-Free)

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s pie (or ‘cottage pie’) is basically a savory dish made of a minced meat filling at the bottom and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Usually prepared in a casserole dish and baked in the oven, shepherd’s pie is often made with either ground beef or lamb. (Fun fact: some insist that mutton must be used for it to be called “shepherd’s pie” and beef is used in “cottage pie.)

Flavorful and comforting, it makes a hearty and filling stand-alone dish for the winter months that needs nothing else to accompany it.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients required for this gluten-free shepherd’s pie are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: Preparing the mashed potato topping and the ground meat filling is uncomplicated, and if you already have mashed potatoes leftover from another meal, then you’re one step closer!
• Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this easy shepherd’s pie recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease, or who have gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy it without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required to make this gluten-free shepherd’s pie recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Potatoes: For making mashed potatoes, it’s best to use starchier potatoes such as Russet potatoes or Idaho potatoes to get the creamiest effect.
• Almond Milk: I like using an unsweetened version of my homemade almond milk, but you may also use another unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as cashew milk, rice milk, oat milk, etc). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular milk (or heavy cream if you prefer).
• Parmesan: I used dairy-free parmesan cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular parmesan cheese instead. You may also leave it out completely if you’re not keen on the taste of cheese.
• Butter: I used dairy-free butter (vegan butter) to keep this recipe dairy-free. You can also use coconut oil  if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use regular butter or ghee instead.
• Ground Meat: You may either use ground beef or ground lamb for this gluten-free shepherd’s pie filling.
• Frozen Vegetables: I used frozen carrots, peas and corn for a colorful mixture. Alternatively, you can also use fresh vegetables if you prefer.
• Gluten-Free Flour: I used a gluten-free all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy for the filling and to keep the recipe gluten-free. You may also use corn starch or tapioca starch for thickening if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular all-purpose flour instead.
• Beef Broth: The beef broth adds a beautiful flavor to the shepherd’s pie filling. You may either make your own homemade beef broth or use storebought beef broth (either will work). Alternatively, you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.
• Oil: I like using sunflower oil because I always have a bottle of it on hand. You may also use another type of vegetable oil (such as canola oil, olive oil, avocado oil etc).
• Onion: I used a yellow onion, but feel free to use a white onion or red onion instead.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a lovely flavor to the shepherd’s pie filling, so I highly recommend adding it. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried minced garlic.
• Tomato Paste: The sweetness from the tomato paste balances out the savory flavors from the meat and other ingredients, making a nice contrast.
• Worcestershire Sauce: If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
• Black Pepper: A sprinkle of ground black pepper adds a little bit of heat, but feel free to leave it out if you don’t enjoy pepper.
• Fresh Herbs: You may use any type of fresh green herbs (my favorite options are chopped chives, green onions or parsley.)

How to Make Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie (Step by Step):

1. Boil Potatoes

Add the cubed potatoes to a pot of water and bring to a boil, then cook the cubed potatoes for 20-25 minutes until they are fork tender and can be easily mashed without much effort.

When the potatoes are cooked, drain the water. Add the dairy-free almond milk, salt, dairy-free butter and dairy-free parmesan.

2. Prepare Mashed Potatoes

Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, mash the potatoes very well until they are creamy and there are no more lumps.

3. Cook Onions

While the potatoes are cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet and add the onions to the pan. Fry on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring.

Then add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.

4. Add Ground Meat

Add ground meat and fry everything together for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add Flour

Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour and mix, stirring for another 2 minutes.

7. Stir and Combine

Stir and cook everything together for 6-7 minutes until the broth has reduced and thickened. Then add the frozen vegetables, stir and turn off the heat after 2 minutes.