Tasty Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Name: Tasty Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion; 2 cloves garlic; 2 carrot; 2 celery stalks; 1 cup mushrooms; 1 cup lentils; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 cup frozen peas; Salt and pepper; 4 Large potatoes; 2 tbsp butter; 1/3 cup milk; Salt to taste; grated cheddar cheese for topping (or vegan cheese alternative)

A delicious, vegetarian twist on a British classic, loaded with vegetables, lentils, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

A dish of shepherd's pie with a golden, crispy mashed potato topping, revealing a colorful filling of peas and carrots. A spoon rests beside the dish on a rustic table, accompanied by small bowls of spices and herbs in the background.

Introduction to Tasty Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

When it comes to comforting meals that warm your heart and soul, shepherd’s pie is a classic. Traditionally made with meat, this vegetarian version captures all the savory goodness without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s an easy, wholesome meal that everyone at the table will love whether they’re vegetarians or not! Let’s dive into how you can make this hearty dish with simple ingredients and a touch of creativity.

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Delicious

Tasty Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Cooking Temp: 190 °C Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 413 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

G Gluten-Free Option H High-Fiber Vegetarian

Description

This vegetarian shepherd’s pie is a delightful and healthy alternative to the traditional version. Featuring a savory filling made with lentils, mushrooms, and hearty vegetables, it’s topped with buttery mashed potatoes that crisp up beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is bound to be a hit. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and can be adapted for gluten-free diets with simple swaps.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
2. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until softened (~8 minutes).
3. Stir in tomato paste, lentils, thyme, and paprika, cooking for 2 minutes.
4. Add vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until the mixture thickens (~10 minutes).
5. Stir in frozen peas and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread the filling evenly in an oven-safe baking dish.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading to cover it completely.
4. Optional: Sprinkle cheese on top for a golden crust.
Step 4: Bake
1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
2. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Equipment

Skillet

Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
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Saucepan

Saucepan
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Oven-safe baking dish

Oven-safe baking dish
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Wooden Spoon

Wooden Spoon
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Potato masher

Potato masher
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 413.19kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7.46g12%
Saturated Fat 3.14g16%
Cholesterol 11.51mg4%
Sodium 1001.85mg42%
Potassium 1572.58mg45%
Total Carbohydrate 74.18g25%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g47%
Sugars 7.36g
Protein 15.94g32%

Vitamin A 250.65 IU
Vitamin C 58.84 mg
Calcium 99.37 mg
Iron 5.39 mg
Vitamin D 0.19 IU
Vitamin E 1.22 IU
Vitamin K 30.66 mcg
Thiamin 0.58 mg
Riboflavin 0.28 mg
Niacin 4.77 mg
Vitamin B6 1.04 mg
Folate 219.47 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.07 mcg
Phosphorus 297.01 mg
Magnesium 93.24 mg
Zinc 2.28 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Nutrition Highlights

This vegetarian shepherd’s pie is:

High in fiber from lentils and vegetables.
Packed with plant-based protein.
A balanced meal with wholesome carbs, fats, and protein.

Keywords: vegetarian shepherd’s pie, vegetarian recipes, easy shepherd’s pie recipe, plant-based dinner, lentil shepherd’s pie, gluten-free option, comfort food recipes, British cuisine, healthy dinner ideas, mashed potato recipes, family-friendly meals, quick vegetarian meal, high fiber recipe, all year round recipe, meatless shepherd’s pie

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based butter and milk for the mashed potato topping and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Can I freeze vegetarian shepherd’s pie?

Yes, vegetarian shepherd’s pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

What can I use instead of lentils?

If you don’t have lentils, you can substitute them with cooked chickpeas, black beans, or even crumbled tofu for a similar protein-rich filling.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free vegetable broth and ensure that any additional ingredients (like cheese or tomato paste) are also gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes ahead of time. Assemble the shepherd’s pie, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Certainly! You can include zucchini, bell peppers, sweet corn, or spinach to customize the filling according to your taste or the vegetables you have on hand.

What’s the best type of potato for the mashed topping?

Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best because they yield a creamy, fluffy mash.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, this recipe is family-friendly and can be adjusted to suit kids’ preferences. You can reduce spices or omit the smoked paprika if preferred.

Can I make this dish in individual portions?

Absolutely! Use ramekins or small oven-safe dishes to create individual servings. This is a great option for meal prepping or serving at a dinner party.

What side dishes go well with vegetarian shepherd’s pie?

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

File under baked vegetable dishes comfort food recipes cozy meal ideas easy vegetarian recipes family-friendly meals gluten-free options healthy comfort food hearty vegetable pie meatless shepherd's pie nutritious pie recipe plant-based recipes savory pie recipes vegan shepherd's pie vegetarian dinner ideas vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe

Cover of "The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook" by America's Test Kitchen featuring a colorful tomato and herb tart. The title and additional text highlight the number of vegan and gluten-free recipes included.

Conclusion

This tasty vegetarian shepherd’s pie recipe is proof that comfort food can be wholesome, delicious, and easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, offering a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Give it a try, and let this recipe bring warmth and joy to your dining table!

Informational Links

How to Cook Lentils Perfectly

The History of Shepherd’s Pie

Seasonal Vegetable Substitutes

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Tasty Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Introduction to Tasty Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Recipe