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Vegan Shepherd's Pie

A delicious and hearty plant-based version of the classic Shepherd's Pie that's perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegan
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the lentil filling
  • 1 cup dried lentils Rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 medium yellow onion Diced
  • 2 medium carrots Diced
  • 2 stalks celery Diced
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup red wine Optional
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup corn kernels
For the mashed potatoes
  • 4 lbs russet potatoes Peeled and quartered
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 4 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast Optional

Method
 

Preparation of the Lentils
  1. Rinse 1 cup of dried lentils in cold water. In a large pot, combine the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of vegetable broth.
  2. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  3. Drain any excess liquid.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Mushrooms and Garlic
  1. Stir in 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and 3 minced garlic cloves. Continue to cook until the mushrooms have released their moisture and browned slightly.
Combine Ingredients
  1. Mix in the cooked lentils, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, ½ cup of red wine, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1 bay leaf.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until everything is well combined.
Finish the Filling
  1. Add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of corn kernels to the lentil mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
  1. Boil 4 lbs of peeled and quartered russet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain and return to the pot. Add 1 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk, 4 tablespoons of vegan butter, and 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  3. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Assemble the Pie
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a baking dish, spread the lentil filling evenly. Top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing them out with a spatula.
  3. Use a fork to create some texture on top for a crispy finish.
Bake
  1. Bake the assembled pie for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serve
  1. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Shepherd's Pie!

Notes

This pie pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can add a drizzle of vegan gravy on top if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat before serving. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months.