Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Recipe You'll Enjoy

When the weather gets chilly or you’re craving something warm and comforting, there’s nothing better than a big bowl of shepherd’s pie.

But what if you could enjoy this cozy, traditional dish without any meat or dairy? That’s where this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie comes in!

Packed with savory lentils, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, it’s the perfect plant-based version of the classic comfort food.

Whether you’re vegan, plant-based, or just looking to try something new, this recipe delivers all the flavors and heartiness you love in shepherd’s pie, without any of the animal products.

It’s easy to make, satisfying, and ideal for meal-prepping or feeding a crowd. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup frozen peas

For the mashed potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced

• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)

• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or olive oil)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step 1: Cook the Potatoes for the Mash

Start by boiling the potatoes for the mashed topping. Place the peeled and diced potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil over high heat.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender.

Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

Add the almond milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper to the pot, and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

You can adjust the texture by adding more milk if needed. Set aside to cool while you work on the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften.

Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Next, add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Add the dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then cover the skillet and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

If the mixture gets too dry before the lentils are done, simply add a little more vegetable broth or water to keep it from sticking to the pan.

Step 3: Add the Peas

Once the lentils are tender, stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes, until the peas are heated through and the filling is thick and hearty.

Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings if needed. The mixture should be flavorful, savory, and slightly thick.

Step 4: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Now it’s time to assemble the pie! In a large baking dish (about 9x9 or 8x8), spread the lentil and vegetable filling evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s packed in nicely.

Next, spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the filling, using a spatula to smooth them out. If you want to get a little fancy, you can use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top. This will help give it a nice golden crisp when baked.

Step 5: Bake the Shepherd’s Pie

Place the assembled shepherd’s pie in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges. If you like an extra crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked to perfection, remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set and makes it easier to serve.

Scoop out generous portions of this hearty, comforting dish and enjoy! The combination of the savory lentil filling and the creamy mashed potato topping is a match made in heaven. Serve it with a side salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.

Conclusion:

This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food made easy, flavorful, and 100% plant-based! It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings.

With savory lentils, vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a meal everyone will love—vegan or not.

Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead for those busy days when you need a comforting meal on the table in no time.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s a new twist on a classic that you’ll be making over and over again!💖👇🍒🌱