High-Protein Breakfast Shepherd’s Pie (Lower Fat Edition)
Feb 12, 2025

A Creative Breakfast Solution
This morning, I found myself struggling to come up with something a little out-of-the-box for breakfast. I had some leftovers—mashed potatoes and taco-seasoned ground beef—but I wasn’t in the mood for a typical breakfast burrito. So, I turned to ChatGPT for inspiration.
Its suggestion? A breakfast shepherd’s pie. That sounded interesting, but I wanted to tweak it to be higher in protein and lower in fat. By substituting a good portion of whole eggs with egg whites, I struck the perfect balance while keeping the meal satisfying and flavorful.
How I Made It
I started with 1.5 cups of egg whites combined with 4 whole eggs, whisking them together for a fluffy texture. Then, I grabbed my mashed potatoes and spread them evenly in a baking dish as a base. Next, I layered on 2 cups of lean ground beef (93/7) for a protein boost.
To add a creamy, flavorful touch, I used Primal Kitchen queso—one of my newest food obsessions. (Not a sponsored post, but seriously, if you haven’t tried Primal’s products yet, do yourself a favor and do it!) A few dollops of queso went on top before everything went into the oven.
What came out? A gorgeous, protein-packed breakfast shepherd’s pie that was chef’s kiss perfection. One bite, and I was seriously impressed.
Breakfast Shepherd’s Pie Recipe (Serves 4)
A high-protein, lower-fat breakfast that’s perfect for meal prep or fueling your day while staying on track!
🥔 Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (1 cup per serving)
- 2 cups lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1.5 cups egg whites + 4 whole eggs (whisked together)
- 1/4 cup Primal Kitchen queso
- Optional toppings: Green onions, salsa, 1/4 avocado per serving, Greek yogurt (as sour cream), hot sauce, fresh herbs
📋 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Prepare Eggs: Whisk together 1.5 cups egg whites and 4 whole eggs. Lightly scramble in a pan until just set. Set aside.
3️⃣ Assemble the Layers:
- Layer 1: Spread 1 cup mashed potatoes in each oven-safe dish (or one large dish).
- Layer 2: Add 1/2 cup cooked ground beef on top.
- Layer 3: Spread scrambled eggs over the beef.
- Top with 1 tablespoon of queso per serving.
4️⃣ Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through and the queso is bubbly. For a crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Top with green onions, salsa, avocado, hot sauce, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy immediately!
Serving Sizes & Macros
💪 1 Year Post-Op (Full Serving)
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Protein: 36.8g
- Carbs: 33g
- Fat: 19g
🍽 6 Months Post-Op (3/4 Serving)
- Calories: ~364 kcal
- Protein: ~27.6g
- Carbs: ~24.8g
- Fat: ~14.3g
🥄 3 Months Post-Op (1/2 Serving)
- Calories: ~243 kcal
- Protein: ~18.4g
- Carbs: ~16.5g
- Fat: ~9.5g
Final Thoughts
This breakfast shepherd’s pie is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to use leftovers creatively. Whether you’re post-op and monitoring macros, or just looking for a satisfying high-protein breakfast, this dish delivers.
Next time you’re staring at your fridge, wondering what to make, give this a shot—and let me know what you think! 😊