Description

Shepherd’s Pie Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring creamy mashed russet potatoes topped with plant-based cheese and filled with smoky turkey bacon, savory vegetables, and rich flavors. Perfect for cozy dinners, this casserole offers a balanced texture and is easy to customize for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Potato Topping

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/4 cup plant-based milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste

Filling

6 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 cup peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
2 tablespoons olive oil

Topping

3/4 cup plant-based cheese, shredded

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the mashed potato topping: Peel and chop russet potatoes into even chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, then drain and mash with plant-based milk, olive oil, and salt until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.
Cook the smoked turkey bacon and veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sliced smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté diced onions, garlic, carrots, and peas until softened and fragrant.
Build the filling: Return turkey bacon to the skillet. Stir in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, vegetable broth, fresh herbs, and natural gelling agent. Simmer gently until thickened and flavorful.
Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the filling evenly into a casserole dish, sprinkle with plant-based cheese, then spread mashed potatoes on top in an even layer. Use a fork to create textured peaks on the potato topping.
Bake to perfection: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the potato topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges. Let cool a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Choose russet potatoes for fluffy mashed potatoes that hold shape well.
Mash potatoes gently to keep them light and avoid a gluey texture.
Sauté veggies in the same pan as turkey bacon to capture smoky flavors.
Add the natural gelling agent gradually to achieve desired thickness without heaviness.
Top with plant-based cheese last to lock in moisture and create a melty crust.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, Casserole, Comfort Food, Plant-Based, Turkey Bacon, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetarian Option, Easy Dinner