Vegan Shepherd's Pie

If you’re craving the cozy comfort of classic shepherd’s pie but want to keep it plant-powered, this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is your new go-to. It’s warm, hearty, satisfying, and totally vegan. Think creamy garlic-mashed potatoes layered over a rich filling of lentils, mushrooms, and veggies, baked until bubbly.

It sounds like an oxymoron, guilt-free and comfort food, but it comes down to ingredients. With no oil, no butter, no cream, plus the addition of starchy potatoes and the heartiness of the lentils and veggie mixture, this vegan shepherd's pie is comforting without sabotaging your weight loss or health goals.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Delivers that nostalgic “mashed-potato-on-top” comfort without the meat or dairy.
• The filling of lentils and mushrooms gives it body and umami, while the garlic mashed potatoes bring that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
• It’s easy to prep ahead, transports well, and reheats beautifully.
• Whole food plant-based healthy goodness, high in fiber, and packed with nutrients.

Health Benefits

• The lentil pack provides plant-protein and fiber to help support heart health, regulate blood sugar, and keep you full.
• The mushrooms add depth of flavor along with B-vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Potatoes, especially when mashed with the skin on, provide potassium and resistant starch for gut health.
• The carrots contain antioxidants like beta-carotene, which are beneficial for eye health.

What You Need to Make This Vegan Shepherd's Pie

This vegan shepherd's pie recipe uses the same mashed potato topping as the amazingly easy (and yummy) garlic mashed potatoes.

1. Yukon gold potatoes: creamy, buttery texture, holds shape well when baked. Okay to use red potatoes.
2. Garlic: adds aromatic depth and savory punch to the potato topping.
3. Soy milk (plain and unsweetened): lends creaminess without dairy, lightens the potatoes.

The filling for this plant-based shepherd's pie is made with whole plant food ingredients.

1. Lentils: plant protein, hearty texture, absorbs the broth and flavor.
2. Mushrooms: earthy umami and meat-like bite, adds texture.

A full list of ingredients with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make Vegan Shepherd's Pie

1. Step 1: Make the garlic mashed potatoes by adding the chopped potatoes and garlic to a pot of water. Boil uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender.

2. Step 2: Drain the cooked potatoes and garlic chunks and return them to the pot. Add the soy mix and mix with a hand mixer or smash with a potato masher. Set aside.

3. Step 3: To make the filling, preheat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Dry sauté the chopped onion for about 4 minutes or until it starts to brown.

4. Step 4: Add diced mushrooms and carrots and continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Step 5: Stir in seasonings (aminos, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary) and tomato paste. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. It should smell quite lovely.

6. Step 6: Add dried lentils and low-sodium vegetable broth to the sauté pan.

7. Step 7: Stir well, and increase the heat to medium-high. Bring lentils and veggies to a gentle boil.

8. Step 8: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and continue to cook until the lentils are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.

9. Step 9: Stir in the frozen peas and corn.

10. Step 10: Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. If peas and corn are still cold, do not worry. They will finish cooking in the oven.

11. Step 11: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spoon the lentil and veggie mixture into a casserole dish. Add the garlic mashed potatoes to the top.

12. Step 12: Once the mashed potatoes are evenly spread across the lentil veggie mixture, bake in a preheated oven uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes or until the mashed potatoes start to brown and the lentil veggie mixture is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

• For the best texture, leave the potato skins on (Yukon Gold and red potato skins are thin and blend well) and don’t over-mash. Some small lumps help keep the topping interesting.
• When cooking lentils, check for doneness early. Older lentils may need a few extra minutes or slightly more broth. If it absorbs too fast and the filling looks dry, add a little more vegetable broth and cover to steam.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it settle and improves sliceability; otherwise, the filling may spill out when you scoop.

Pairings for This Vegan Shepherd's Pie

• A side of our homemade cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with this dish.
• If you're making a full holiday spread, our vegan butternut squash soup makes a wonderful starter.
• For a veggie boost, the garlicky kale or vegan collard greens work nicely with this plant-based shepherd's pie.
• Both our vegan cornbread muffins and plant-based jalapeno cornbread work well as a side.
• For dessert, our healthy vegan apple crisp or tofu chocolate mousse is a great way to end the meal.

Recipe FAQs

If you want a dish that’s warming, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing, without compromising your plant-based goals, this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie delivers big. It combines creamy garlic-mashed potatoes with a rich, veg-and-lentil filling full of flavor and texture. Give it a go, bring it to your next gathering or cozy family dinner, and watch it vanish.

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