Name: Lentil Shepherd's Pie [Oil Free]
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and quartered); 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste); 1/2 cup soy milk (or milk of choice); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 3 cups cooked or canned green or brown lentils (approx 1 cup raw); 3 cups mixed frozen veggies; 2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce if not avoiding gluten); 1/3 cup tomato sauce (or tomato puree); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet); salt + pepper (to taste)

JUMP TO RECIPE

This lentil shepherd’s pie is lightened up from traditional versions, using wholesome ingredients, yet still incredibly mouthwatering! Lentils and veggies topped with a fluffy mashed potato layer for a healthy dish that tastes like comfort food.

Slice of shepherd's pie in white plate with remaining tray of pie in the background.

This recipe was originally published in September 2018. It has been updated for content and photos.

Guilt free comfort food is where it’s at! Just like my Thai curry or pasta e fagioli, this dish is so satisfying and comforting, without the excessive calories and fat.

Better yet, I promise you won’t even miss the meat. This lentil shepherd’s pie is not only vegan and vegetarian approved but it’s omnivore approved too!

For even more incredible vegan dinner recipes, that even meat eaters will love, be sure to check out this collection of healthy vegan dinner ideas!

Lentil shepherd's pie on small white dish with tray in the background.

Why you’re going to love this “skinny” shepherd’s pie

Free from oil and butter, but you won’t miss it at all.
It may taste like comfort food, but it’s nutrient dense and wonderfully wholesome.
This lentil shepherd’s pie is easy to prepare in advance! You can prepare components and assemble when ready to bake. Or go ahead and fully assemble and just pop it in the oven when it’s dinner time. PS. It freezes great too!
It’s allergen friendly! No dairy, no nuts, no gluten, and if you need it corn or soy free, I’ve got easy swaps for that too.

White plate with shepherd's pie in it and fork on the side of the slice.

How to make it

(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Gather all your ingredients for both the mashed potato layer and veggie and lentil layer.

Bowls of ingredients needed to make mashed potato layer for shepherd's pie.

If you don’t already have cooked lentils, start there. Add them to a small pot and get those going, while you prepare the rest.

NOTE: To save time, you may use canned lentils, approx 3 cups worth.

Bowls of ingredients needed to make lentil shepherd's pie on marble counter.

Now start preparing your potatoes. Peel and quarter them, and add to a pot with enough water to just cover them and start cooking. (photos 1-2)

NOTE: If you have an Instant Pot, you may also prepare your potatoes using this method for a faster, hands off option.

Potatoes on cutting board, and then quartered potatoes in pot.

While your potatoes are cooking, prepare your lentil veggie mixture (the bottom layer of your shepherd’s pie). Combine all the ingredients into a 9×13 (or similar sized) baking dish. Mix well. (photos 3-4)

Baking dish filled with lentils, mixed veggies and seasoning.

By this point, your potatoes should be cooked. Drain them and return to the same pot. Then add the milk, salt and garlic powder (if using) and mash using a potato masher, until smooth. (photos 5-7)

NOTE: Do NOT over mash your potatoes, just until smooth.

Collage of images of cooked potatoes in pot being mashed into mashed potatoes.

Now spread your mashed potatoes on top of the lentil veggie mixture in an even layer. (photo 8)

Optional: Then use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top. This will add a slight crunchiness to your potato layer and get them nicely browned. (photo 9)

Baking dish with potatoes being smoother out with silicone spatula, and then a fork making crisscross pattern.

Bake your lentil shepherd’s pie for 20 minutes covered with parchment paper and aluminum foil. Then remove both paper and foil and bake an additional 10 minutes and remove from the oven.

See how beautifully golden those crisscrossed potatoes get?

Lentil shepherd's pie in baking dish, fresh out of the oven resting on cutting board.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes! Absolutely.

You may fully prepare your tray of lentil shepherd’s pie a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

OR you may freeze the entire tray for up to 3 months, until ready to bake. Just add about 20 minutes of covered cooking time, if cooking from frozen.

Otherwise, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook as directed.

How long does it keep?

You may refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 3-4 days.

To reheat your lentil shepherd’s pie, add a little milk or broth to a pan and heat up a portion as a deconstructed version. Or you may reheat in the oven. Make sure to add a little more milk on top of your potatoes to prevent them from drying out.

Substitutions

For corn free, choose a variety of mixed veggies without corn. (Like a peas and carrot mix.)
For soy free, sub the soy milk for another plant based milk of your choice. Also sub the Tamari or soy sauce for coconut aminos, or vegetable broth.
If you don’t have or cannot find Yukon Gold potatoes, another variety of yellow potatoes also works well. Russet potatoes are fine too, just a little less creamy, so you may need a splash more milk when mashing your potatoes.

Expert Tips

Weigh your potatoes for best results. Since potatoes vary greatly in size, weighing them will be the most accurate.
If you don’t have a kitchen scale and you have to eye ball it, use approx 10 average sized Yukon Gold potatoes.
Don’t overly mash your potatoes, just until smooth and then spread them over top your lentil and veggie mixture. Overly mashing potatoes can bring them from a smooth and fluffy texture into gummy territory.
Once your lentil and veggie mixture is prepared, taste and add more Tamari, salt, pepper or other seasoning, if needed.

More healthy vegan comfort food

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Buon appetito

Rosa