Your Guide to a Butternut Squash Carrot Shepherd’s Pie

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming hot Shepherd’s Pie. The rich, savory filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chasing away the chill. While “Shepherd’s Pie” technically refers to a lamb-based dish and its beefy cousin is known as “Cottage Pie,” we often use the terms interchangeably for this ultimate comfort food.

But what if you’re looking to lighten things up without sacrificing that delicious, homestyle flavor? My family and I have been exploring healthier alternatives lately, and a wonderful revelation came from my eldest daughter: a mashed cauliflower topping! Building on that idea, and with some leftover Easter bounty, I decided to get creative. We swapped out the traditional potatoes for a vibrant blend of butternut squash and carrots, and the result was a surprisingly delicious and nutritious twist on a classic that everyone loved.

This “squashier” Shepherd’s Pie is incredibly easy to make, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste or comfort. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that’s as good for you as it is satisfying.

The Nutritional Powerhouse Beneath the Topping

The magic of this recipe lies in its wholesome ingredients. Butternut squash isn’t just sweet and creamy; it’s a fantastic source of fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. It’s also loaded with carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that contribute to heart health and are converted in your body to Vitamin A.

Carrots, another star player, are renowned for their Vitamin A content. This essential nutrient is crucial for good vision, and the beta-carotene found in carrots is readily converted by your liver into this vital vitamin. To further boost the nutritional punch, I incorporated Mann’s Power Blend, a fantastic mix of nutrient-dense vegetables like kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, carrots, and broccoli. This blend adds a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this Shepherd’s Pie a truly power-packed meal.

Crafting Your Healthy Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe is designed to be as straightforward as the traditional version, so don’t be intimidated! Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary delight:

Ingredients:

• Half a package of Mann’s Power Blend (contains kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, Napa cabbage, carrots, and broccoli)
• 1 tablespoon Litehouse Organic Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• A dash or two of your favorite seasoning. I love the Epicure Garlicky Grill topping for an extra kick!
• 1 lb of lean ground beef. For an even healthier alternative, consider ground chicken or turkey. For a vegan Shepherd’s Pie, hearty lentils are a fantastic substitute for the beef.
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (I used Green Giant frozen mixed vegetables, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand – think peas, corn, green beans!)
• 2 cans of tomato paste (or alternatively, use salsa or diced tomatoes for a slightly different flavor profile)
• 4 cups of squash and carrot blend (you can substitute carrots for cauliflower, a brilliant tip from my daughter!)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Building the Savory Base

In a large skillet, brown your lean ground beef (or chosen substitute) over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat. Add in your mixed vegetables, the Mann’s Power Blend, balsamic vinaigrette, and your chosen seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 2: Deepening the Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste (or salsa/diced tomatoes if you’re using them) and let the mixture simmer for another few minutes. This step helps to deepen the rich, savory flavor of the filling.

Step 3: Crafting the Creamy Topping

While your filling is simmering, prepare the star of our healthy topping! If you’re using whole mini carrots, cook them according to package directions. For the butternut squash, either peel, seed, and dice two medium butternut squash into cubes, or save yourself some time and use Mann’s Butternut Squash, which is already cubed and ready to go.

Place the squash cubes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Let it cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. Once cooked, drain all the water thoroughly using a colander. To ensure a smooth mash, press the cooked squash with a plate to remove any excess moisture.

Transfer the drained squash to a food processor. Add your cooked carrots to the processor as well. Drizzle in two tablespoons of olive oil and a teaspoon of black pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy, and luscious mash.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking Your Masterpiece

Now for the grand finale! Ladle the savory meat (or lentil) filling into the bottom of a casserole dish. Spread the creamy butternut squash and carrot mash evenly over the top of the filling, creating a beautiful golden blanket.

Place your assembled Shepherd’s Pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for approximately one hour, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to slice.

A Guilt-Free Comfort Classic

This healthier Shepherd’s Pie recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a beloved comfort food with a lighter touch. It’s a testament to how simple substitutions and wholesome ingredients can transform a classic dish into something that nourishes your body without compromising on that soul-warming satisfaction.

I truly hope you love making and eating this Butternut Squash & Carrot Shepherd’s Pie as much as my family and I do! If you try this recipe, I’d be absolutely thrilled if you’d share a photo on our Facebook page, tweet it to @Todayswomanco, or post it on Instagram using the hashtag #todayswomanrecipes. We can’t wait to see your creations!

About Mann Packing

Mann’s is a leading provider of innovative, pre-washed, and ready-to-use fresh vegetables. They are one of the largest suppliers of fresh broccoli and sugar snap peas in North America and proudly hold the distinguished Women’s Business Enterprise National Council certification. As an industry-leading, third-generation supplier, Mann’s offers a wide range of premium fresh vegetables, including both commodity products and exciting fresh veggie mixes, dishes, and salads. Their commitment to staying on the cutting edge of packaging and product innovation has made Mann’s a highly regarded consumer brand. Furthermore, their vigilant attention to food safety practices and compliancy regulations has earned them the trust of retailers and consumers alike.

Website: veggiesmadeeasy.com