Cozy Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is the kind of cozy, feel-good meal you crave on chilly nights. It’s made with a hearty mix of mushrooms, lentils, and vegetables, all simmered together in a rich savory sauce, then topped with creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes. Once baked, the top turns beautifully golden and crisp, while the filling stays comforting and flavorful underneath.

Save

It’s classic comfort food—reimagined in a 100% plant-based way. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even your holiday table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a regular weeknight, this vegan version of Shepherd’s Pie never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

This dish is as satisfying as it is simple. The hearty texture from the lentils and mushrooms gives it that “meaty” richness you expect from a traditional Shepherd’s Pie—without any actual meat involved. And that buttery mashed potato topping? Pure perfection.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• 🌱 Totally vegan and gluten-free — No compromise on taste or texture.
• 🍄 Deep, savory flavor — Thanks to mushrooms, thyme, and a flavorful broth.
• 🥔 Creamy potato topping — Made garlicky and smooth for the perfect finish.
• 🕒 Easy to make ahead — Great for meal prep or festive occasions.

It’s wholesome, hearty, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Basically, everything you want in a comfort food recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie (check the recipe card below for full quantities):

• Vegan butter or olive oil – Adds richness and helps the veggies caramelize.
• Mushrooms – Cremini, white, or portobello mushrooms add a meaty texture and depth of flavor.
• Carrots & Celery – Classic Shepherd’s Pie vegetables that bring sweetness and crunch.
• Onion & Garlic – The aromatic base that ties the filling together.
• Fresh Thyme – Adds a beautiful earthy flavor (dried thyme works too).
• Gluten-free flour – Helps thicken the filling; all-purpose flour works if you’re not gluten-free.
• Vegetable broth – A good-quality broth makes all the difference.
• Cooked lentils – Brown or green lentils hold up well and keep things hearty.
• Peas – Fresh or frozen; they add color and sweetness.
• Sea salt & pepper – To season everything perfectly.

And of course, the topping:

• Mashed potatoes – Smooth, garlicky, and dreamy. You can also substitute sweet potatoes or even mashed cauliflower for a lighter version.

How to Make Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

If you’ve got your lentils and mashed potatoes prepped ahead of time, you’re already halfway there! Here’s how to bring it all together:

Step 1 – Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Have your lentils and mashed potatoes ready to go.

Step 2 – Cook the vegetables

Heat the vegan butter or olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped mushrooms, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and thyme. Cook until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables are tender—about 10 to 12 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3 – Build the filling

Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to coat the vegetables evenly. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

Step 4 – Add the lentils and peas

Stir in the cooked lentils and peas, then taste and adjust the seasoning. The filling should be thick, hearty, and flavorful—like a vegan stew.

Step 5 – Assemble the pie

Transfer the filling into a baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with the garlic mashed potatoes, spreading them carefully over the filling. If you’re feeling fancy, use a fork to create ridges or swirls on top (these brown beautifully in the oven).

Step 6 – Bake to perfection

Bake for 15 minutes, then switch your oven to low broil and cook until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Once done, let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

✅ Smooth mashed potatoes make all the difference. The contrast between the creamy top and savory filling is what makes this dish so irresistible.

✅ Don’t overcook the lentils. You want them to hold their shape for texture. Cook them just until tender, then drain and set aside.

✅ Customize your version. Add green beans, use sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes, or swap the lentils for crumbled tempeh or cooked chickpeas. This recipe is flexible and forgiving!

✅ Make ahead for holidays. Prepare the filling and mashed potatoes separately a day ahead. Then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve—it’ll save you time and stress.

Print