Description
Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a comforting plant-based dish combining savory vegetables and tender ground plant protein topped with a luxuriously smooth mashed potato layer. This hearty and cozy meal is perfect for any season, offering warmth, rich flavors, and delightful texture contrasts that make it a beloved classic in any kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based ground protein
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp plant-based butter
Mashed Potato Topping
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1/3 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Plant-based sour cream for serving
- Dijon mustard for serving
- Shredded plant-based cheese (optional)
- Smoked paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- Herbs such as fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley (optional)
- Sweet potatoes for topping substitution (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Filling: Finely chop onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté them in a pan with plant-based butter until softened and fragrant. Add the plant-based ground protein, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Stir in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and vegetable broth. Simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Boil and Mash the Potatoes: Peel and cube the potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash with plant-based butter, plant-based milk, and the natural gelling agent to create a creamy and fluffy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while assembling.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Spread the savory filling evenly in a baking dish. Top generously with the creamy mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface with a spatula or fork to create a texture that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven and bake the pie for 25 to 30 minutes until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crispy, and the filling is bubbling hot.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for the fluffiest mashed topping.
- Drain the cooked filling thoroughly to prevent sogginess under the mashed potatoes.
- Aim for a thick, even mashed potato layer for a creamy bite every time.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to set nicely before slicing.
- Make extra filling to freeze for quick future meals or savory pastry fillings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, plant-based, creamy mashed potatoes, vegan comfort food, gluten free, savory pie, vegetable protein