Easy Classic Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils

Name: Easy Classic Vegan Shepherd's Pie with Lentils
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2½ lb Yukon gold or russet potatoes (peeled & cubed); 3 Tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil); ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk; Salt & pepper; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 carrots (diced); 2 celery stalks (diced (optional, can sub 1 more carrot)); 8 oz mushrooms (chopped (for depth, but optional if someone hates them)); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 Tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning); 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but nice); 2 cups cooked lentils (or 1 can lentils, drained); 1½ cups vegetable broth; 1 Tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos); 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed veggies); 2 Tbsp flour (or 1 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 Tbsp water for GF)

You’re in for a brilliant dish! This easy classic vegan shepherd's pie with lentils is pure comfort food - cozy, hearty, and perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight dinner. It's dairy free and easily a gluten-free classic that's crowd-pleasing and surprisingly simple to make. Each bite has creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection and a rich, savory lentil filling inside. Trust me, you wont have many leftovers - everyone usually gets seconds on this one!

Slice of vegan shepherds pie on a plate with golden mashed potato and savory lentils

There is something very comforting about lentil Shepherd’s Pie. It’s hearty winter comfort food that is packed with rich flavors but is also sneakily healthy.

I also want to mention that this recipe is super easy to make. You will cook everything down at the same time for the filling, and then pour it into the dish and top with garlicky mashed potatoes. Then you will bake it to crispy-edged perfection, mhm! 😋

Keep reading to learn all about easy classic vegan Shepherd’s Pie!

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Why You’ll Love Classic Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

You’re gonna love this classic easy vegan Shepherd’s pie for more reasons than one:

It’s Hearty and Satisfying

Lentils give this pie that rich, meaty bite, but without any meat. It’s filling enough to stand alone as a main dish.

Wholesome Ingredients

Packed with veggies, plant-based protein, and creamy potatoes, vegan Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal that feels indulgent but is secretly nourishing.

It’s Crowd-Friendly

Whether you’re serving vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores, everyone can dig in! It’s one of those recipes that wins hearts across the table.

Easy to Make

The steps are straightforward, and everything comes together in under an hour. Plus, it’s a one-pan filling topped with a simple mash.

Perfect for any Occasion

It can be a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast; this dairy-free Shepherd’ Pie will always fit right in! It’s comforting, cozy, and always a hit.

Make-Ahead + Freezer-Friendly

Assemble this lentil Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time and bake later, or freeze portions for quick meals.

Ingredients laid out for vegan shepherds pie with lentils, carrots, and potatoes before cooking

Ingredients for Classic Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

We will divide this healthy Shepherd’s Pie recipe into two distinct parts, the potato topping and savory filling, and then specify ingredients accordingly.

For the Potato Topping:

Yukon gold potatoes - We use these for that creamy and fluffy mash. They make a perfect golden topping once baked.
Vegan butter + plant-based milk - These two give the potatoes a buttery richness and smooth texture. Any unsweetened milk works here.
Salt and black pepper

For the Savory Filling:

Olive oil - Adds a savory depth to the lentil filling and helps saute the veggies.
Onions, carrots, celery - The true classic flavor base, aka mirepoix. Together they build a sweet and savory foundation of flavor.
Mushrooms - Optional, but they add amazing umami flavor and give this pie a meaty texture.
Garlic - Just a little goes a long way while boosting the savory flavor of it all.
Tomato paste - Thickens the sauce slightly while giving us a deep, rich background.
Dried thyme and smoked paprika - A cozy mix of herbs and spices for warmth and depth.
Lentils - The star of this tasty vegan version. Brown or green work for that protein heavy and heartiness of Shepherds pie.
Vegetable broth - Creates a savory gravy base for the lentil filling. Go low sodium for more control over the salt.
Soy sauce - For a little more umami and saltiness to the filling. Tamari brand is gluten-free!
Frozen peas - Classic shepherds pie add in for flavor and a little color.
Flour - Just a bit thickens the gravy for a hearty filling.

How to Make Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Lentils

Now that you have the ingredients at hand, let’s get to the best classic vegan shepherd’s pie recipe for beginners!

Boil Potatoes

Time: 15 to 18 minutes

Begin by prepping the potatoes. Place them in a pot with salted water. Let them boil until they’re fork-tender. Then, drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Veggies

Time: 8 to 10 minutes

Next, heat oil in a skillet. Saute onion, carrot, and celery in the heated oil until they become soft. Then add mushrooms (if you’re using them) and cook them until browned. Stir in the garlic for approximately a minute.

Flavor the Base

Time: 2 minutes

Now, stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and paprika. Cook the mixture until it’s nice and fragrant.

Build the Filling

Time: 5 minutes

Next, to the mixture, add lentils, broth, and soy sauce. Bring it all to a simmer. Then, sprinkle in flour (or stir in the cornstarch slurry). Cook the mixture until it’s thickened, stir in the peas, and season it with salt and pepper.

Assemble it

Spread the filling you prepared in a baking dish. Top it with mashed potatoes, and smooth the top, or rough it with a fork.

Bake

Time: 20 minutes

Bake your Shepherd’s Pie at 400°F until it’s golden on top and bubbling around the edges. For extra crisp, you can also broil for 2 minutes at the end.

Top view of baked dairy-free shepherds pie with golden potato crust fresh out of the oven

Health Benefits of Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

This vegetable Shepherd’s Pie packs so many benefits! I would like to share a few of them in this section.

Plant-Based Protein

Lentils are the star here. They’re high in protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate. This helps keep your energy up and your digestion on track.

Full of Veggies

Carrots, peas, celery, and mushrooms bring in antioxidants, vitamins, and natural sweetness. I LOVE how every forkful sneaks in more vegetables without feeling like “health food”.

Heart-Friendly Fats

In this healthy classic Shepherd’s Pie recipe, we are swapping dairy butter with olive oil (or vegan butter). This means we’re retaining the richness but choosing fats that are better for the heart.

High in Fiber

Both the lentils and veggies provide fiber that supports digestion, balances blood sugar, and helps you feel fuller longer.

Lower in Saturated Fat

Compared to traditional meat-based Shepherd’s Pie, the vegan version skips the heavy saturated fat. But it still delivers the same cozy satisfaction.

Customizable (for Nutrition)

You can add in even more health benefits! Want extra greens? Stir in spinach or kale. Need more protein? Add quinoa to the filling. It’s flexible enough to suit different nutritional goals.

Overhead view of plant-based shepherd's pie in baking dish with a serving removed exposing lentils

Frequently asked questions

Can you freeze vegan Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes, classic vegan Shepherd’s Pie freezes beautifully. Once it’s cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven until it’s piping hot. The potato topping might lose a little creaminess, but the flavor will be just as cozy.

What to serve with vegan Shepherd’s Pie?

This dish is hearty on its own, but it can taste even better with some sides. For example:
- Crisp green salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Steamed broccoli
- Cabbage and carrot slaw
- Pickled veggies
You can also add crusty bread to soak up the savory filling.

How long does vegan Shepherd’s Pie last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You want to reheat it in the oven to keep the potato topping nice and crisp, or use the microwave if you’re short on time.

Can I make vegan Shepherd’s Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the whole dish a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and bake until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbling.

Wrapping Up…

So there you have it, an easy classic vegan Shepherd’s Pie with lentils that’s as hearty as is wholesome. It’s cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to whip up. The creamy potatoes, the savory lentil filling, the golden crisp edges… it’s a cozy vegan comfort food recipe, all in a single dish.

Next time you’re craving something warm and satisfying, give this recipe a try. Your kitchen will smell incredible, your plate will look inviting, and chances are you’ll be going back for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a keeper 💚

Close side view of vegan shepherds pie with creamy mashed potatoes and hearty lentil filling

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