Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (2024)

This low sodium shepherd’s pie recipe is a hearty dinner with ground beef and vegetables, topped with salt free mashed potatoes. A healthier take on this classic comfort food dish – perfect for cooking up for your next dinner.

Make this salt free shepherd’s pie for a cozy fall or winter meal, the whole family will love it! Serve this shepherd’s pie with a big salad with low sodium vinaigrette dressing, and you have a fantastic healthy meal.

Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (1)

This low sodium shepherd’s pie is one of our favorite salt free dinners that we make on repeat all year round. It’s rich, creamy, smokey, flavorful, and best of all – packed with tons of veggies!

Shepherd’s Pie is an Irish casserole made with ground meat, vegetables, and topped with delicious potatoes. Once you spread the low sodium mashed potatoes over the top, you can place the whole pot in the oven and set to broil. You’ll get a nice char on the top of the potato peaks which adds to the ambiance of this cozy dish.

This Low Sodium Shepherd’s Pie Recipe Is

  • Tasty
  • Comforting
  • Simple
  • Classic
  • Satisfying
  • Cozy
  • Hearty and Filling
  • A Great Salt Free Dinner Idea!

Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (2)

What’s the Best Pot for Shepherd’s Pie?

I usually use my 6-quart Dutch oven for this shepherd’s pie. It’s cooks the filling perfectly, and is easy to pop in the oven to crisp up the mashed potato topping. This model in particular is great, because it can be heated up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than other brands.

If you are going to double this, I’d recommend using a 7.5 quart or larger pot. I have this one which is great for batch cooking for a crowd. For the quality of the Dutch oven, it’s a fantastic value!

What’s In This Low Sodium Shepherd’s Pie Recipe?

I stock up on organic produce with Misfits Market – they have a fantastic selection of in-season fruits & veggies, healthy pantry items, and great food finds for a fraction of grocery store prices! You can get $10 off your first $30 box by clicking here!

  • Ground Beef
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like to use this fruity olive oil which has a fantastic flavor and deep color- it’s inexpensive & I like to keep a few liters stocked up in my pantry. For the quality of oil you get, it’s an excellent value.
  • Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes – I followed my recipe here!
  • Smoked Paprika: give an additional depth of flavor to this dish.
  • Chili Powder: for a really nice flavor in this recipe- the chili powder isn’t spicy but will give you a rich and bright flavor.
  • Peas
  • No Salt Vegetable Stock or Bouillon: I love this no salt vegetable base for my recipes because it has a great flavor and is lower in sodium. I only develop my recipes with low sodium ingredients so the ingredients shine. You can always add salt to a recipe if it needs it, but it’s almost impossible to take it out! By starting with a low sodium broth or bouillon, you can build bright vibrant flavors and add more salt later if needed.

Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (3)

How Do I Make Shepherd’s Pie Without Salt?

1) In a large Dutch oven, brown the meat, drain the grease, and set the meat aside in another bowl.
2) Over low heat add the olive oil to the bottom of the Dutch oven scraping any browned bits of meat from the bottom. Sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
3) Add the celery, carrots, zucchini, and frozen peas. Stir to combine. Add the salt free vegetable stock, paprika, and chili powder and simmer the vegetables on low minutes for 15 minutes.
4) Add the meat back into the Dutch oven, and stir in the cream to combine.
5) Add the low sodium mashed potatoes to the top of the shepherd’s pie in an even layer.
6) Set your oven to ‘Broil’ (I set mine to high) and brown the top for 5 or 10 minutes (always watching, so its doesn’t burn!) of the mash until it becomes crispy on top, and the shepherd’s pie is bubbling around the edges. I add a little paprika to the top for color as well.

Low Sodium Dinner Recipes The Family Will Love

This easy shepherd’s pie is low in sodium and couldn’t be easier to make! Low Sodium cooking does NOT have to be bland, boring, or flavorless… It’s quite the opposite when done right. By building meals around salt free pantry staples and swapping a few ingredients you can make healthier meals for you and your family.

These salt-free dinners are healthier versions of classics that everyone will love. You can browse all our low sodium dinner recipes. Find your next family favorite!

More Salt Free Dinner Recipes You’ll Love!

Low Sodium Steak Recipe (No Salt Added)

Low Sodium Beef Stew Recipe

No Salt Added Peanut Noodles Recipe

Low Sodium Sloppy Joes

Low Sodium Spaghetti Sauce Recipe (No Salt Added)

Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (4)

Share this No Salt Shepherd’s Pie

If you make this low sodium shepherds pie recipe be sure to rate this recipe below, leave a comment, and tag us on Instagram or Facebook.

Let’s keep in touch – don’t forget to follow over on Instagram, Facebook, & my Youtube channel for more amazing low sodium recipes – I’d love to connect with you there.

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Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (5)

Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie

AuthorAuthor Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (6)Kelly Jensen

This low sodium shepherd’s pie recipe is a hearty dinner with ground beef and vegetables, topped with salt free mashed potatoes. A healthier take on this classic comfort food dish - perfect for cooking up for your next dinner.

5 from 5 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course dinner

Cuisine American, irish

Servings 8 servings

Calories 419 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic diced
  • 3 stalks celery chopped
  • 4 carrots diced
  • 1 large zucchini diced into small cubes
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup no salt added vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ cup light cream
  • 4 cups low sodium mashed potatoes

Instructions

  • In a large Dutch oven, brown the meat, drain the grease, and set the meat aside in another bowl.

  • Over low heat add the olive oil to the bottom of the Dutch oven scraping any browned bits of meat from the bottom. Sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

  • Add the celery, carrots, zucchini, and frozen peas. Stir to combine. Add the salt free vegetable stock, paprika, and chili powder and simmer the vegetables on low minutes for 15 minutes.

  • Add the meat back into the Dutch oven, and stir in the cream to combine.

  • Add the low sodium mashed potatoes to the top of the shepherd’s pie in an even layer.

  • Set your oven to ‘Broil’ (I set mine to high) and brown the top for 5 or 10 minutes (always watching, so its doesn’t burn!) of the mash until it becomes crispy on top, and the shepherd’s pie is bubbling around the edges. I add a little paprika to the top for color as well.

Notes

Save Money on Fresh Groceries & Pantry Staples!

I get all the fresh produce for my recipes from my garden and from Misfits Market – they sell organic produce at a discounted price, and it’s purchased direct from farmers to reduce food waste. We get Misfit boxes every other week and love picking out our favorite seasonal produce for delivery. You can save up to 40% off grocery store prices.

If you think produce delivery is too expensive… think again, and give Misfits Market a try!

Nutrition

Calories: 419kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 24gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 82mgPotassium: 1060mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 6096IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 4mg

*Please note, all nutrition content is estimated based on the ingredients we used, it may vary based on your ingredients. Always check your nutrition labels to verify sodium amounts.

Keyword low sodium cottage pie, low sodium dinner ideas, low sodium shepherd's pie, no salt added dinners, salt free shepherd's pie, shepherd's pie without salt

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was! Please comment and leave a review.

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Low Sodium Shepherd's Pie Recipe (No Salt Added) (2024)

FAQs

How do you reduce salt in shepherd's pie? ›

Add an Acidic Ingredient

It won't reduce the sodium level of your dish, but adding an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or even a tomato product, can neutralize the saltiness of a dish. Start with a dash or a squeeze, stir well to combine, and give it a taste before adding any more.

Is shepherd's pie high in sodium? ›

Nutritional analysis (per serving):

922 calories. 34g protein. 72g fat. 931mg sodium.

How much salt is in a pie? ›

Other Common Suggestions
Sodium(mg)
1 Fruit Pie479
1 Lemon Pie479
1 piece Mince Pie419
1 piece Sweetpotato Pie203
2 more rows

Can you freeze shepherd's pie? ›

Wrap cooled pie in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label with contents and date; place in freezer. For best quality, serve within 2-3 months; however, shepherd's pie will remain safe indefinitely, stored at 0° F.

How to make a pie less salty? ›

Add an acid.

You can add lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar to salty food to help neutralize the saltiness. A tomato product, such as tomato sauce or tomato paste, will also work since tomatoes are acidic.

What overrides salt? ›

Add an Acid

Whether it's lemon juice or a mild vinegar like rice vinegar, a squeeze or light drizzle can help cut and mask over-salted food (there is a reason salt and vinegar chips work well together).

How much sodium is in Costco shepherd's pie? ›

What Are The Macros Of Costco Shepherd's Pie? The macros are 21 grams of fat, 29 grams of carbs, 28 grams of protein and 1010 mg of sodium.

Is shepherd's pie good for you? ›

This ultimate comfort food can be quite unhealthy, with lots of butter in the mash and pushing up your saturated fat intake. Here are a few ideas to make this classic a little healthier and just as tasty.

Is lamb high in sodium? ›

Sodium (salt) may be particularly high in some processed lamb products, such as cured lamb. Lamb is a rich source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.

What is considered low sodium content? ›

A low-sodium food will have 140 mg or less per serving. These foods often say "Low Sodium" on the package. Aim to avoid or limit foods with more than 500 mg per serving. A prepackaged meal should have no more than 500 mg of sodium.

Which pie has the least amount of sodium? ›

Popular Types of Pie
Popular Types of PieSodium(mg)
Lemon Meringue Pie200
Peach Pie316
Pineapple Cream Pie194
Raspberry Cream Pie138
24 more rows

What sodium level is too high in food? ›

Items with 400 mg or more of sodium are high in sodium. High sodium food additives include salt, brine, or other items that say sodium, such as monosodium glutamate. Eat more home-cooked meals. Foods cooked from scratch are naturally lower in sodium than most instant and boxed mixes.

Should I defrost shepherd's pie before cooking? ›

You can freeze the pie once you have added the mashed potato but before cooking. Wrap the dish in freezer film and then a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before continuing with the recipe. Yes 190C (170 fan) for 40 minutes.

How long will homemade shepherds pie last in the fridge? ›

Freshly baked shepherd's pie will keep for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge; refrigerate covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Is it OK to reheat shepherds pie? ›

In fact, the Food Standards Agency recommends reheating your food just one time. Imagine reheating your leftover Shepherd's Pie to find out that it's got a massive chunk of frozen mince in the middle? Not only is it going to be disgusting but you're putting yourself at risk of food poisoning.

How do you cure too much salt in a recipe? ›

Here are ways to fix salty food:
  1. Dilute by adding more water or broth to reduce saltiness.
  2. Addition of acidic ingredients such as tomato sauce for the counterbalance of flavors.
  3. Addition of starchy ingredients such as potatoes.
  4. Add Sugar for balance.
  5. Add fatty ingredients such as dairy to complement and neutralize.
Aug 29, 2022

How do you reduce the taste of salt? ›

Lemon or lime juice or vinegar are all acidic and will tame the salt taste. Adding a creamy or fat component like yoghurt, sour cream or butter (unsalted) will also help to reduce overly salted flavours in your dish. With all of these methods, it is important to taste the dish while you attempt to fix it.

References

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