Low Sodium Shepherd’s Pie

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a hearty and healthy meal can be a challenge. But what if you could whip up a dish that’s not only nutritious and filling but also low in sodium? Here’s where our Low Sodium Shepherd’s Pie comes into play!

This classic comfort food, known for its rich flavors and satisfying textures, gets a health-conscious twist in our recipe. Using simple ingredients like white potatoes, bone broth, beef mince, ox liver, and a frozen soffrito mix, we’ve created a version that’s just as delicious but significantly lower in sodium.

Ideal for those monitoring their sodium intake or simply seeking healthier versions of their favorite dishes. So, let’s get cooking and create a meal that’s bound to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds white potatoes
• 4.5 cups bone broth (low-sodium)
• 1 pound lean beef mince
• ½ pound ox liver, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups frozen soffritto mix (onion, celery, and carrots)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (low-sodium)

Instructions:

Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with the bone broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.

While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef mince and ox liver and cook until browned and cooked through.

Add the frozen soffritto mix to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are heated through.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them, reserving the bone broth. Mash the potatoes, adding the reserved broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a baking dish. Splash on ½ cup bone broth. Spread the mashed potatoes on top. Sprinkle the cheese over the mashed potatoes.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe tips

1. Choose Lean Meat: Opt for lean beef mince to keep the fat content low. This will not only make your dish healthier but also prevent it from becoming too greasy.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: While this recipe calls for a frozen soffrito mix for convenience, you can also use fresh onions, carrots, and celery for a more vibrant flavor if you have the time.
3. Alter the Toppings: Feel free to switch up the toppings based on your preference. You can try other types of cheese or even add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
4. Watch the Broth: Keep an eye on the amount of bone broth you use when mashing the potatoes. Adding too much can result in a runny pie.
5. Don’t Rush the Baking: Allow the Shepherd’s Pie to bake fully until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. This will ensure all the flavors meld together nicely.
6. Let it Cool: After removing the pie from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to cut into portions without falling apart.
7. Freeze for Later: This low-sodium Shepherd’s Pie freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Simply portion it out into freezer-safe containers once cooled and freeze. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Substitutions

1. Potatoes: If you’re not a fan of white potatoes, you can substitute them with sweet potatoes or even cauliflower for a low-carb option.
2. Beef Mince: You can swap the beef mince for ground turkey, chicken or even lentils if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
3. Ox Liver: If you can’t find ox liver or prefer not to use it, you can simply increase the amount of beef mince or substitute it with another type of offal like kidney.
4. Bone Broth: If you don’t have bone broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead. Just make sure they are low-sodium versions to keep the sodium content of the dish low.
5. Soffrito Mix: You can make your own soffrito mix with fresh onions, carrots, and celery if you don’t have a frozen mix available.
6. Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, feel free to use another type of cheese. Just remember to choose a low-sodium version. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan could work well here.

This Low Sodium Shepherd’s Pie is a wonderful example of how you can tweak traditional recipes to fit your dietary needs without compromising on taste. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or meal prep. By making smart substitutions and using fresh ingredients, you’re not only reducing the sodium content but also creating a dish that’s wholesome and satisfying. Remember, cooking at home gives you control over what you’re eating. So don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust the recipe based on your preferences. Happy cooking!