Sunday Veggie Shepherd’s Pie

Name: Sunday Veggie Shepherd’s Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup mushrooms, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup milk or plant-based alternative; 1/4 cup butter or dairy-free substitute; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

When Sunday rolls around, I love to wind down with a comforting dish like this Veggie Shepherd’s Pie. It's a wonderful way to use up leftover veggies from the week, and the layers of creamy mashed potatoes on top always hit the spot. I enjoy the rich flavors mingling together, creating a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meatless Mondays as well! I can’t wait for you to give this a try and make it part of your weekly routine.

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:07:20.257Z

Preparing this Sunday Veggie Shepherd’s Pie has become a cherished ritual in my home. Every step offers a chance to experiment with various vegetables and flavors, ensuring something new each time I make it. The combination of lentils and mushrooms not only lends a satisfying texture but also a depth of flavor that truly impresses.

The secret to my perfectly creamy mashed potatoes lies in using a mix of butter and cream, along with a generous pinch of salt. It elevates the dish to a level where it feels indulgent while remaining completely plant-based. You'll find that everyone, not just vegetarians, can appreciate this hearty meal!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A savory filling packed with wholesome vegetables and lentils
Creamy mashed potatoes that complement the hearty filling perfectly
A comforting dish that’s great for meal prep or gatherings

      

Understanding Lentils and Their Role

Lentils are the backbone of this Veggie Shepherd’s Pie, providing a protein-packed base that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. When cooking lentils, it's crucial to rinse them thoroughly to remove any residues, which not only improves their texture but also enhances the flavor. Opt for green or brown lentils as they hold their shape well during cooking, giving the filling a pleasant bite that complements the soft mashed potatoes on top.

During the simmering process, monitor the lentils closely to ensure they remain tender but not mushy. If overcooked, they can break down and lose their desirable structure, turning your filling into a mushy texture. Aim for a cooking time of around 20 minutes, and always check for doneness a few minutes earlier than expected for perfect results.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

For the mashed potatoes, using starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold will yield the creamiest texture. After boiling, make sure to drain them well. Excess moisture can lead to watery mashed potatoes, so allow them to sit in the pot for a moment after draining to evaporate any lingering water. When mashing, I find that using a potato ricer gives the fluffiest results, but a standard masher will also do the job well—just avoid over-mashing to prevent a gluey texture.

Incorporating warm milk and melted butter not only enhances the creaminess but also helps the potatoes absorb these ingredients better. Seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper at the end allows you to adjust flavors to your preference. A sprinkle of garlic powder or even some grated cheese can elevate the flavor profile for those who desire a little extra richness in their mash.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This Veggie Shepherd’s Pie is excellent for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully. To store leftovers, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes for the best texture.

Serving this dish with a side salad or steamed green vegetables can balance the meal and add freshness. If you're looking to elevate it further, consider drizzling a tangy balsamic vinaigrette over the greens, which complements the earthy flavors of the pie wonderfully. You can also experiment with adding layers of different vegetables based on what you have available, such as peas, spinach, or even a touch of smoked paprika for a unique twist.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delicious Sunday Veggie Shepherd’s Pie:

For the Filling

1 cup lentils, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk or plant-based alternative
1/4 cup butter or dairy-free substitute
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to prep your vegetables fresh for the best flavor in this dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Shepherd’s Pie:

Cook the Lentils

In a pot, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes until lentils are tender. Drain any excess liquid.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Combine and Season

Add the cooked lentils to the sautéed vegetables, then stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

While the filling simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash, then mix in milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Assemble the Pie

Spread the lentil and vegetable mixture in a baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Bake

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes start to turn golden brown.

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try sprinkling some nutritional yeast on the mashed potatoes before baking for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Flavor Variations

One of the great aspects of this Veggie Shepherd’s Pie is its versatility. For a smokier flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the filling. Mixing in some cooked corn or peas can also introduce sweetness and additional texture, making it even more satisfying. Feel free to get creative with seasonal vegetables; zucchini, bell peppers, or kale could be delightful additions depending on what's fresh and available.

If desired, you might choose to add some heat with a dash of red pepper flakes or a bit of finely chopped fresh chili during the sautéing process. This can nicely contrast with the creamy mashed potatoes, offering a warm kick in every bite.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue when making the filling is having too much liquid, which can result from not draining lentils properly or using too much broth. To fix this, consider simmering the mixture longer to reduce excess liquid, stirring often to prevent sticking. Additionally, if your filling ends up too dry, a splash of vegetable broth or a drizzle of olive oil can help bring it back to the right consistency.

When it comes to the mashed potatoes, if you find they’re too gluey after mashing, it’s likely they were overworked. In this case, consider folding in a bit more warm milk and butter to bring some moisture back while being careful to mix as little as possible. Lastly, always taste and adjust the seasoning for balance, especially after reheating, as flavors can mellow.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and mashed potatoes in advance, then assemble and bake when you're ready to serve.

→ What other vegetables can I use?

Feel free to swap in any vegetables you have on hand, like peas, corn, or zucchini.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure that your vegetable broth is gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.