Easy Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie with Bison
Updated: Sep 12
Shepherd’s pie was one of my favorite comfort foods growing up. There’s something about a warm, savory filling topped with creamy mash that just feels like the perfect cozy meal.
I wanted to create my own version that was gluten-free, simple to make, and packed with protein—without spending all night in the kitchen.
For this recipe, I use ground bison with vegetables, herbs, and a creamy hearts of palm mash instead of traditional mashed potatoes. And unlike a traditional shepherd’s pie, there’s no baking required. Everything comes together right on the stovetop.
It’s warm, filling, and an easy dinner for a busy weeknight.
Why I Love This Shepherd’s Pie
Ground bison has a rich flavor that works perfectly with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. It's also an easy way to add variety if you tend to eat chicken or turkey all week.
The hearts of palm mash makes this recipe especially simple because you don't have to peel, boil, and mash potatoes.
That said, you can absolutely make this recipe your own. Ground beef, turkey, or lamb can be substituted for the bison, and traditional mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes would also be delicious on top.
Easy Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
12 oz. ground bison
1 bag organic frozen mixed vegetables
2 packages creamy hearts of palm mash
1½ tablespoons ghee, divided
½ sweet onion, diced
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon Himalayan salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Gluten-free tip: Check the label on your Worcestershire sauce to make sure you're using a gluten-free variety.
Directions:
Bring ¼ cup of water to a boil in a large saucepan and add the frozen mixed vegetables. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 6 minutes. Drain any excess water and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat another large pan over medium-high heat and add ½ tablespoon of the ghee. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until it begins to soften and lightly brown.
Add the ground bison, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the bison is completely browned and no pink remains, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Add the garlic and Worcestershire sauce and cook for another minute.
Stir the cooked vegetables into the bison mixture and reduce the heat to low while you prepare the mash.
In a small saucepan, heat the hearts of palm mash with the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee until warmed through.
Spoon the bison and vegetable mixture into bowls or onto plates and top generously with the warm hearts of palm mash.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Easy Substitutions
One of the reasons I love recipes like this is that you don't have to follow them perfectly.
No bison? Use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb.
Don't like hearts of palm? Use mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.
You can also change the vegetables depending on what you have available. Peas, carrots, green beans, and corn all work well.
If you're dairy-free, replace the ghee with your favorite dairy-free cooking fat.
A Chinese Medicine Perspective
From a Chinese medicine food-therapy perspective, this is the type of meal I especially love during cooler weather.
Rather than relying on cold or raw foods, this recipe combines warm, cooked foods with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Warm, cooked meals are generally easier on the digestive system from a Chinese medicine perspective and can be particularly comforting when you tend to feel cold, tired, or depleted.
Bison and other meats are also traditionally considered nourishing foods, making this a satisfying option when you want something more substantial than a salad or smoothie.
💡 Dr. Stephanie’s Tip: Don't be afraid to modify a recipe to fit your needs.
Healthy eating doesn't have to mean making a completely separate meal for yourself or following a recipe perfectly. Start with protein, add vegetables, choose a carbohydrate or nourishing side that works for you, and make it something you actually look forward to eating.
That's the kind of healthy eating you can stick with.
Looking for More Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Recipes?
If you love simple meals like this, you'll find 93 gluten-free and dairy-free recipes in my cookbook, created to make healthy eating practical, satisfying, and something your whole family can enjoy.
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