Vegan Shepherds Pie

Vegan Shepherd's Pie made with lentils, mushrooms, and crushed new potatoes. Comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor. It's simple to make, completely plant-based, and ready in just 30 minutes.

In this 30 minute vegan shepherd's pie, earthy mushrooms and lentils mingle in a sumptuous broth beneath a crown of crushed potatoes.

The potatoes get beautifully crispy on all the exposed edges and make this shepherd's pie extra special.

Plus, it's easier than making mash and you can keep the skin on the spuds. And only 313 calories per serving!

This vegan take on the classic family comfort food is packed with veggies with a herb-infused crushed potato topping. It's perfect for family meals.

It's a simple dish, but it feels special.

The filling is earthy from the mushrooms, slightly tangy from the tomatoes, and perfectly seasoned.

The lentils add body and protein, and the crushed potatoes soak up all those savory juices underneath.

I like to drizzle olive oil over the top before grilling - it gives you crisp edges and a touch of richness without any butter.

Try serving it up with a side salad, such as Broad Bean Salad, Tomato Onion Salad, or Greek Bean Salad!

This vegan shepherd's pie is perfect family food - it's quick, easy and the whole family are guaranteed to tuck in.

It's now a regular on my meal plan along with other tasty vegan dishes like lentil dahl, Spanish beans and lentil soup.

Commissioned by Tesco

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Lentils
• Ingredients
• How to Make Vegan Shepherds Pie
• Variations
•  Serving Suggestions
• Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice
• Get the Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It's vegan and dairy-free.
• Everything cooks in one pan before finishing under the grill.
• It uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• It's hearty enough for meat eaters.
• It's easy to make ahead or freeze for later.
• The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers taste amazing.
• It's gluten-free and high in plant protein.
• It's comfort food that still feels nourishing.

Lentils

Lentils are the heart of this dish - as for many veganised recipes!

They're full of protein and fiber and give the filling that "meaty" texture that makes shepherd's pie so comforting.

I like using pre-cooked puy lentils for convenience, but you can use green or brown lentils too. They hold their shape and absorb all the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Check out the 15 Best Lentil Recipes.

Ingredients

• Ready-to-eat puy lentils: Convenient and full of plant protein. You can cook your own lentils if preferred.
• Mushrooms: The umami star of the filling. Any mix of button, cremini, or chestnut mushrooms works.
• New potatoes: These create a light, fluffy topping with a slightly crispy texture. You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
• Chopped tomatoes: Form the sauce base, adding brightness and acidity.
• Parsley: Adds freshness and color. Swap for thyme or rosemary if you prefer.
• Olive oil: Brings richness and helps the top crisp up beautifully.
• Onion: The flavor base. A yellow or white onion works best for balance.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aroma. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• Dried crushed chillies: Optional, but adds gentle heat.
• Tomato purée: Deepens the flavor and gives the filling a richer color.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

How to Make Vegan Shepherds Pie

Step 1: Cook the baby potatoes until tender, then drain and lightly crush them. 
Step 2: Saute the onions until soft, then add the mushrooms and cook until softened. 
Step 3: Stir in the water, garlic, dried crushed chillies, lentils, chopped tomatoes and tomato purée, then reduce the heat and simmer.
Step 4: Heat the grill/broiler. Add the lentil mixture to a casserole dish then cover with the potatoes. Cook under the grill/broiler for 8-10 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy. 

 

Variations

• Smoky BBQ Lentil Pie: Add BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
• Spicy Lentil Pie: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder for heat.
• Herby Shepherd's Pie: Mix chopped thyme, sage, and rosemary into the potatoes.
• Sweet Potato Topping: Swap the new potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
• Curry-Spiced Version: Stir in curry powder and a splash of coconut milk.
• Miso-Mushroom Pie: Add a spoon of miso paste to boost umami.
• Carrot and Pea Add-In: Add diced carrots and frozen peas for extra color.
• Cauliflower Top: Use mashed cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb topping.
• Cheesy Vegan Crust: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or vegan cheese before grilling.

 Serving Suggestions

• On its own as a complete meal.
• With a side of steamed greens like kale or broccoli. Try Buttered Sautéed Leeks or one of these Vegetable Side Dishes.
• Alongside roasted carrots and parsnips. Try Vichy Carrots or Air Fryer Parsnips.
• With a crisp green salad and vinaigrette.
• As part of a vegan Sunday roast.
• With a drizzle of vegan gravy. I love Mushroom Gravy too.
• With warm crusty bread like White Soda Bread or Turmeric Bread.
• With a side of coleslaw or slaw-style salad such as Kohlrabi Slaw or Brussels Sprout Slaw.
• With a simple tomato and cucumber salad.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice

This Vegan Shepherd's Pie stores beautifully.

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes or until hot.
• Freeze: Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat from frozen: Bake directly from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 40-45 minutes.
• Make ahead: Prepare the filling and topping separately, assemble, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before grilling.

Get the Vegan Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how this vegan shepherds pie recipe turned out for you! Leave a comment and star rating below and share a picture on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #veggiedesserts and tag @tescofood.

📖 Recipe

This vegan shepherds pie recipe was commissioned by Tesco. I adapted this recipe from Tesco.com. Check out their vegan recipes.