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Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Name: Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes; 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk; 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion; 2 medium carrots; 2 stalks celery; 3 cloves garlic; 1 cup walnuts; 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp thyme; 1 tsp rosemary; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 cup frozen corn; 2 tsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch

Kristine Roberson March 10, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner

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A Wholesome, Plant-Based Twist on a Classic

A Wholesome, Plant-Based Twist on a Classic

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting, and nourishing meal for St. Patrick’s Day, this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with walnuts is a must-try! Instead of traditional ground meat, this recipe features a protein-rich, fiber-filled lentil-walnut filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

This hearty dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling full and energized. The toasted walnuts add a delightful crunch and rich, nutty flavor, making this version even better than the original!

What is Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional dish from the United Kingdom and Ireland, originally made as a way to repurpose leftover roasted meat. The dish consists of a savory meat filling topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. While it’s commonly associated with Irish cuisine, Shepherd’s Pie actually originated in the late 18th century in Britain and Ireland as a cost-effective meal for rural communities. Traditionally, Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb, while a similar dish called Cottage Pie is made with beef. However, this plant-based version swaps out the meat for lentils and walnuts, making it a healthy, vegan-friendly twist on the classic comfort food while still honoring its rich history and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💚

Protein-packed & filling – Lentils + walnuts = a hearty, satisfying meal
Perfect for meal prep – Makes great leftovers!
Gluten-free & dairy-free – No animal products needed!
Easy to make & delicious – Classic comfort food made healthier

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mashed Potato Topping:

3 large russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold), peeled & chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (oat, almond, or soy)
2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Savory Lentil-Walnut Filling:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups cooked lentils (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
2 tsp soy sauce or tamari
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
2 tsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water, for thickening)

How to Make Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potato Topping

1️⃣ Boil chopped potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes, until fork-tender.
2️⃣ Drain and mash with plant milk, olive oil (or vegan butter), garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Lentil-Walnut Filling

1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3️⃣ Stir in garlic and chopped walnuts, cooking for another 3 minutes to toast the walnuts slightly.
4️⃣ Add lentils, tomato paste, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5️⃣ Pour in vegetable broth and soy sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Add frozen peas and corn. Stir in the arrowroot/cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Spread the lentil-walnut filling in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3️⃣ Spoon mashed potatoes over the top and smooth out evenly.
4️⃣ Use a fork to create textured ridges (this helps crisping!).
5️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, until slightly golden.
6️⃣ Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Let cool for 5 minutes, then scoop and serve warm.
Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Nutritional Benefits Per Serving 🥄

This dish is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients!

📌 Per Serving (approx. 6 servings total):

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 10g
Fat: 12g
Sodium: 450mg
Iron: 4.5mg

Make It Your Own!

🌱 Want it nut-free? Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds or extra lentils.
🥦 Add more veggies! Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale.
🔥 Like it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

🛑 Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F.

This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with walnuts is a delicious, nutrient-dense meal that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy dinner. It’s a fantastic comfort food alternative that’s filling, flavorful, and 100% plant-based!

Let me know if you try this recipe—I’d love to hear how you made it your own! 💚