Hearty Lentil Shepherds Pie

A comforting vegetarian twist on the classic shepherds pie, featuring a savory lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes, baked to golden perfection.

I first served this to my family on a cold winter night and it quickly became a favorite, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

• For the Lentil Filling: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large yellow onion finely chopped, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 cup brown or green lentils rinsed, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 bay leaf, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Mashed Potato Topping: 2 pounds about 900 g Yukon Gold or russet potatoes peeled and cubed, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/3 cup whole milk or plant-based alternative, salt and white pepper to taste

Instructions

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

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Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2:

Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender about 15-18 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

Step 3:

Add butter and milk to the potatoes. Mash until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper. Set aside.

Step 4:

While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion carrots and celery. Sauté until softened about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5:

Stir in garlic tomato paste thyme rosemary smoked paprika and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 6:

Add lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 7:

Discard bay leaf. Stir in peas and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8:

Transfer lentil mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon mashed potatoes evenly on top.

Step 9:

Use a fork to create ridges in the potatoes then bake for 20 minutes or until the top is lightly golden.

Step 10:

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

Check price on Amazon

Perfect for simmering soups, baking casseroles, and serving cozy one-pot meals straight from oven to table.

Check price on Amazon

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Making this pie always brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and warmth.

Notes

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. Pairs well with a robust red wine or a malty ale.

Required Tools

Large pot, large skillet, potato masher, 9x13-inch baking dish, mixing spoon, oven

Allergen Information

Contains soy (from soy sauce) and dairy (butter milk). Use tamari for gluten-free and plant-based butter milk for vegan or dairy-free options. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

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Pressure cook meals, make rice, steam vegetables, and prepare soups faster for easy everyday cooking.

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This hearty lentil shepherds pie is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, delivering comfort in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What lentils work best for this dish?

Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and offer a hearty texture, making them ideal for the filling.

→ How can I make the mashed potato topping extra creamy?

Use Yukon Gold potatoes and mash them with butter and warm milk (or a plant-based alternative) until smooth and fluffy.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, diced carrots, celery, peas, and even mushrooms can enhance the texture and umami depth of the filling.

→ What herbs complement the lentil filling?

Dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and a bay leaf provide aromatic and smoky notes that enrich the filling’s flavor.

→ How do I know when the lentil mixture is ready for baking?

Once the lentils are tender, liquid mostly absorbed, and the mixture is thickened, it’s ready to be topped and baked.