Dr. Rachel’s Favorite Low-FODMAP Shepherd’s Pie; Gluten-free

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Low-FODMAP Shepherds Pie is a wonderful, savory and nourishing winters meal.  This is a classic British pub favorite, that I enjoyed many times growing up.  You can make it in a large casserole for the whole family, or make individual low-FODMAP Shepherd’s Pies for everyone to have in their personal ramekins.  That is always such fun for the kids.

My low-FODMAP Shepherds Pie uses cheese for added flavor and texture, but for a dairy-free version this can easily be omitted.

For more recipe ideas, check out over 500 low-FODMAP recipes on the blog.  You may also love:

Be healthy and happy,

Rachel Pauls, MD

P.S.  Check out my new COOKBOOK for over 100 low-FODMAP recipes, low-FODMAP Meal Plan, FODMAP Tips and everything you need!!  It’s the BEST!

the low-fodmap IBS solution


Dr. Rachel’s Favorite Low-FODMAP Shepherd’s Pie; Gluten-free

Although this recipe has note been lab tested, a single serving should be low-FODMAP based on the ingredients (using available FODMAP data at time of posting)

Serves: 6

Prep +Cook time: 30 min

Broil: 5 min

Total time: 35 min

Ingredients

  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 5 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup low-FODMAP milk (such as lactose-free or almond if prefer dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (omit for dairy-free)
  • 1 & 1/4 lbs extra lean or lean ground beef
    • To make this a ‘true’ Shepherd’s Pie, use ground lamb.  I have recently learned that this pie would technically be considered a ‘Cottage Pie’ instead.  Thanks to my readers!
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided (can use garlic or onion infused oils if desired)
  • 2 tbsp low-FODMAP, gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-FODMAP beef or chicken broth (can make your own, see links for my low-FODMAP recipes using the slow-cooker)
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (some brands may contain gluten, so check ingredients on yours)
  • 1/4 cup fresh corn niblets, frozen corn, or rinsed and drained canned corn
    • In summertime I make corn in batches and strip the niblets to freeze for later
  • 2 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 tsp freshly ground pepper

Directions

  • Peel and chop potatoes and boil in a pot until tender (about 15 min)
  • Drain potatoes and mash with low-FODMAP milk, add 1 tsp salt and pepper, adjust to taste
  • Set potatoes aside for later incorporation
  • Preheat broiler to high
  • Peel and chop the carrot into small pieces
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp oil to pan
  • Place the ground beef in the pan and brown meat for about 4 minutes
  • Add carrot to the meat and cook another 5 minutes
  • Add remaining salt to the meat, add more to taste
    • If desired, add additional Worcestershire sauce for flavor
  • When done, add the corn to the mixture
  • In a separate medium sized pot/saucepan, make the gravy for the beef mixture
    • Place remaining 2 tbsp oil in the pot, then add low-FODMAP flour and stir until golden brown
  • Add the beef/chicken broth and worcestershire sauce and whisk together until slightly thickened, about 1 minute
  • Pour this gravy over the beef/carrot/corn mixture and stir together
  • Place this beef mixture in an 8 by 8 baking dish or a similar sized casserole or pie plate
    • can also use small individual sized oven safe dishes
  • Spoon mashed potatoes over the beef
  • Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and place under broiler for about 5 minutes, until golden and bubbly

  • So hearty and delicious!  I love low-FODMAP Shepherd’s Pie, especially in the cold winter 🙂

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Comments Rating 4.75 (8 reviews)

24 Responses

  1. Needs Improvement but good :)

    Overall it was a pretty good shepherds Pie. The only problem with this dish is the meat to mash potato ratio. Four russet potatoes ended up being way too much (though it was a yummy mash potato) and not enough meat so be careful with that! I will probably do 1.25 lb to 3 russet potatoes next time.

    I also think boiling the cheese on top if not necessary. The shredded cheese just clumps together and makes it more difficult to eat. The meat also came out to be very bland. Luckily the gravy and mash potatoes helped that out but what makes this dish a 3 star and not a 5 star. I will defiantly make this again but will look for ways to season the meat better.

    1. Thanks for your comments. We appreciate the feedback, and of course, everyone has their own preferences on ratios! You may have picked extra large potatoes, so we added additional info in the recipe to clarify sizes. Good luck next time.

  2. Hi,

    I read on another low FODMAP site that Worcestershire had onions and garlic. I was wanting to make this but saw the sauce included in your recipe.

    The bottle does have both garlic and onion listed. ?

    1. Thanks Diana,
      We strongly suggest sticking to one, reliable source for low-FODMAP information. The Monash app is a very practical way to check low-FODMAP ingredients, as well as the low-FODMAP food lists on our site. Many resources could contain out of date or inaccurate information. Check out our blog on low-FODMAP Label Reading for some tips!
      While Worcestershire sauce DOES typically have onion and garlic listed, these are such a small amount of the final recipe that it may be tolerated. Remember, a low-FODMAP diet is not a ‘NO-FODMAP diet’.
      Up to 2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce is one safe low-FODMAP serving. Therefore, in this recipe it should not cause ANY issues, regardless of the small amount of onion and garlic. If, however, you prefer to omit this ingredient, it will still be delicious (you could try a similar amount of soy sauce, red wine or low-FODMAP Beef Stock if you wanted). Good luck!

  3. This is a new staple in our house! Relatively quick and easy, with things I usually have on hand. In our opinion, the cheese really makes the whole dish.
    A crowd pleaser for everyone – including the kids!

    1. Emily,
      FABULOUS! Love this information. So happy to hear it was a hit!
      Stay in touch, you made our day!!

  4. Delicious recipe! This was hearty & tasteful. I added some of the low-fodmap Italian seasoning to the grounded meat for more flavor. Perfect for a cold day. And a bonus, my 3 y.o ate his portion!

    1. Laura,
      We are thrilled to hear from you and this feedback made our day. Thank you SO much for taking the time to comment!!
      You may also be interested to learn that we have a COOKBOOK available in the US, Canada, UK and Australia.
      THE LOW-FODMAP IBS SOLUTION PLAN & COOKBOOK is the ONE thing that will take you through the entire FODMAP journey and share more than 100 recipes that prep in 30 minutes or less! It also has a meal plan, grocery list and many more tips. Click here for details on the BEST low-FODMAP book available 🙂
      Stay in touch with us, please!

  5. This is nice and simple, but it’s a cottage pie not a shepherds pie 😉

    I found it works a lot better if you bake it for 20 minutes rather than blast it under the broiler, the beef and all the broth hasn’t had much time to come together otherwise and the potatoes go crispy and delicious on the top.

      1. The shepherd raises sheep, thus he would cook with lamb, making a shepherd’s pie. Any other kind of meat would make it a cottage pie.

  6. Yum!

    I struggle with IBS and SIBO and find it increasingly difficult to find/prepare meals that I can eat, and that I like! This one is a winner! Thank you so much. My husband also loved it!

  7. I have made this twice and it’s pretty good! I suggest adding more herbs and spices if you can, and upping the amount of cheese. I used lamb and added some red wine vinegar and tomato paste and it was delicious

  8. A Fantastic Shepherd's Pie

    Since junior high cafeteria days, I have been a fan of shepherd’s pie. While I was raising my children, it was a staple. While living at home, one of my boys even asked for shepherd’s pie on his birthday every year!

    However, Rachel Pauls’s recipe is far better than the recipe I have been using for decades! Both my husband and I throughly enjoyed our shepherd’s pie dinner. I can’t wait to try it on my kids and grandkids! Thank you.

    1. Hi Vicki,
      This comment made my day! What high praise. I am thrilled the shepherd’s pie was a hit and hope to hear from you again soon.
      ~Rachel

  9. Staple

    I’ve actually been using your recipe for years but never thought to leave a review! Thank you for this. I’ve been able to feed many friends and family with this recipe who are astonished that it is low fodmap. I have this bookmarked and will always keep coming back! Much appreciated 😊

    1. Thalia,
      You are so sweet to leave this review. It really touches me how my recipes can help and be enjoyed by so many. Thanks for the comment and please stay in touch.
      ~Rachel

    1. Wow, Annie that is amazing praise! You are so kind and I appreciate it so much.
      Please keep in touch with me, I hope you find other great recipes on my blog.
      Best,
      Rachel

  10. Delicious!

    I loved the idea of this recipe, but I don’t eat beef or lamb, so I had initially skipped over it. But then I wondered about using chicken, so I decided to give it a go! I used chicken and chicken broth, and it worked wonderfully! I used the ramekins as suggested for individual portions and that was a fun touch. It was enjoyed by all. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Hi CRS!
      Fantastic idea, so glad you shared this information. Glad you enjoyed and hope to hear from you again soon!
      Best,
      Rachel

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