Meat Pies and Veggie Loaf

Beetnik Organic Shepherd’s Pie with Grass Fed Beef

I saw this frozen pie at Walmart and was drawn to many things on the package. First, the clever play on the word beatnik – my mind immediately went to people in the 1960s wearing black clothes and berets, snapping fingers at a poetry reading. I was also drawn to the words organic, gluten free and certified Paleo. Finally, I found their background fascinating – they are an award- winning family business in Texas.

The Shepherd’s Pie is made with grass fed beef, carrots and kale with whipped potatoes on top. And the crushed red peppers gives it a slight kick. Although I felt it needed more salt, it contains 290mg, it is good for those who are on a low sodium diet. This is a great comfort food and a healthy option for those who are not only gluten and dairy free, but also Paleo. The grass-fed beef is raised without hormones or antibiotics, but the meal does contain fish (anchovy).

Grandcestors Cottage Pie

Like Beetnik, this brand also has a play on words, this one being ancestors, who were Paleo. The cottage pie contains grass fed beef, veggies and is topped with white sweet potato. It is also part of the Whole30 diet in which you eat natural foods like meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables. However, for 30 days you do not consume added sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, dairy, carrageenan, MSG or sulfites. The cottage pie is free of grains, milk, soy and legumes, but does contain coconut oil (tree nut).

Cottage Pie vs. Shepherd’s Pie – What’s the Difference?

British people living in country cottages started using potatoes as an everyday food at the end of the 18th century. The difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie is that Shepherd’s Pie usually contains lamb (because a shepherd looks after sheep) and Cottage Pie contains beef. They also have mashed potatoes on top. Both Beetnik and Grancestors contain grass fed beef so technically they are cottage pies. They are hearty meals and very similar products although Grancestors is more succulent.

Cottage Pie, Shepherd’s Pie and Veggie Loaf

Amy’s Veggie Loaf

Amy’s Veggie Loaf is made with legumes and vegetables. It is tender like meat loaf and has a nice meaty flavor, topped by a tomato-based gravy. The organic peas and corn are delicious even without butter. The only disappointment is the mashed potatoes which are bland and not fluffy. However, I mixed the mashed potatoes with the gravy and it greatly improved the taste by adding much needed salt and flavor. Of course, there are ways to improve bland allergy free foods- yeast extract, vegan butter, vegan cheese, spices, etc.

Overall, this is a tasty comfort food. It has the taste and texture of meat, and I really like the equal balance of protein, carb and vegetables. And even if dairy free mashed potatoes aren’t as good as ones made with milk and butter, we’ve come a long way with improved tastes of allergy friendly foods. The meal is gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, tree nut free, but does contain soy.

Not Reviewed

Amy’s Dairy Free Vegetable Pot Pie- not gluten free

Blake’s Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie – not dairy free

Conclusion

For a hearty, complete meal, Beetnik Shepherd’s Pie, and Grancestors Cottage Pies are delicious meals for those who are gluten free, dairy free, and Paleo. And Amy’s Vegan Loaf tastes so much like meat, it can turn a meat eater to vegetarian eating. It would be perfect for Meatless Monday.

Fun Food Facts

Germans hid boiled eggs inside meatloaf, Romans made theirs with wine-soaked bread, and Medieval Europe mixed theirs with fruit and nuts. (https://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/blogs/5-little-known-facts-about-the-history-of-meatloaf).

Did You Know?

The Eat Humble Pie idiom means to be forced to acknowledge one’s deficiencies or errors. Humble pie refers to a dish originally made from the innards of a deer (from Dictionary.com).