Mostly Paleo Shepherd's Pie (GF, DF, grain free, nightshade free)

Mostly Paleo Shepherd's Pie

The Paleo diet suggests we eat as our caveman ancestors did, asserting that our bodies spent millions of years without grains, dairy or sugar and have trouble digesting those foodstuffs.  Whether or not you agree with this conclusion, or follow the Paleo diet, Paleo recipes are great for families suffering from food allergies, as they are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, and often egg-free and nightshade-free.

This yummy version of shepherd's pie uses bacon and onions to flavor the beef, and creamy mashed cauliflower instead of a mashed potato layer.  I added some red wine to the ground beef as well, which is not Paleo, but it can easily be left out if you wish.  You won't believe how delicious the cauliflower is prepared this way!

Mostly Paleo Shepherd's Pie

2 lbs ground beef
2 Tbsp minced onion
1/2 cup red wine (optional)
6 strips bacon
1 head cauliflower
2 Tbsp coconut oil
1/4 rice milk
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt

Cook six strips of nitrite-free bacon in a large skillet.  Remove the bacon to a paper-towel-covered plate, but don't throw out the drippings.  Brown the beef in the same skillet, along with the minced onion and wine (about 10 minutes).  When the beef is cooked through, crumble the bacon and add it to the pan.  Turn off the heat.

Meanwhile, cut the cauliflower into florets and steam until soft (I did this in the microwave for 7 minutes with a few tablespoons of water).  Transfer to a food processor and add coconut oil, rice milk, onion powder and salt.  Process until mashed well.

Spoon the meat into a casserole dish, then spread the cauliflower on top.  Serve warm.

Shared with Allergy Free Wednesday at The Tasty Alternative.