Rating: 3.68
(125)

Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

November 14, 2024

Vegetable shepherd’s pie is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for those who prefer a plant-based or lighter twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie. Instead of ground meat, this version is filled with a savory mixture of vegetables, lentils, and rich gravy, all topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes that bake to golden perfection.

The base of vegetable shepherd’s pie typically includes a variety of vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, onions, and celery, which are sautéed until tender. To give the filling more depth, hearty ingredients like lentils or mushrooms are added to create a rich, meaty texture. The mixture is then simmered in a savory gravy made with vegetable broth, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a splash of soy sauce or tomato paste to add umami and a bit of richness.

Once the filling is prepared, it’s topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The potatoes are boiled until soft and then mashed with butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free version), cream, or vegetable broth, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The mashed potatoes are spread evenly over the vegetable mixture, and the pie is baked in the oven until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

The result is a warm, comforting dish with a combination of textures — the soft, creamy mashed potatoes contrast beautifully with the hearty, savory vegetable filling. Each bite is packed with flavor, and it’s a satisfying, wholesome meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a simple side salad.

Vegetable shepherd’s pie is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking for a healthier twist on a classic. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables and can be easily adapted to suit personal preferences.

For drinks, this dish pairs well with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a crisp sparkling water for a refreshing contrast.

Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
3.68 from 125 votes
A hearty and wholesome Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie filled with nutrients and flavor, perfect for a comforting meal.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup peas frozen
  • 1 cup corn frozen
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes prepared
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
  • Add carrots, peas, and corn to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  • Stir in vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
  • Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the vegetable mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  • Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 1000mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: comfort food, healthy recipes, vegetarian
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 3 stars
    It’s okay, but I feel like it needs more seasoning. Got any suggestions?

  2. User avatar jamey.langworth1968 says:

    4 stars
    I tried this but I used sweet potatoes instead. Came out delicious! Who needs the regular ones right?

  3. User avatar trinidad.jenkins31 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was fantastic! So hearty and flavorful. Will definitely make it again!

  4. User avatar Prostetnic Vogon Kwaltz says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, I don’t get how this can be a shepherd’s pie without meat. Seems kinda weird to me.

    1. 4 stars
      It’s called vegetable shepherd’s pie for a reason! You can make a delicious version without meat. Give it a try!

  5. User avatar raymundo.lemke97 says:

    3 stars
    Just made it but forgot the thyme 🙈. Still tastes pretty good though! ⭐⭐⭐

  6. User avatar Delmy O'Reilly II says:

    2 stars
    Came out a bit mushy, I’m not a good cook tho. Maybe I overcooked the veggies? Gonna try it again!

    1. User avatar adam.terry says:

      3 stars
      Overcooked? Nah, just needs more practice! Just avoid mushy potatoes. Good luck!

    2. User avatar ollie.tromp says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Maybe try cooking the veggies for less time next time.

  7. User avatar Mila and her father says:

    4 stars
    I’m not usually into veg-only meals, but this was genuinely good. The tomato paste makes the filling way richer.

  8. User avatar earnest.runolfsson87 says:

    5 stars
    This is a fantastic recipe! I love how simple it is, and it tastes delicious. My kids gobbled it up!

  9. User avatar emmie.hane20 says:

    3 stars
    It was okay. The mashed potatoes were great, but the filling needed more seasoning. Maybe I should’ve added more herbs.

  10. 1 star
    Can you even call this a shepherds pie? Where’s the meat? Feels like a slop to me. 👎

  11. User avatar Corrupted Shade says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this… I mean, what’s the point of a shepherd’s pie without meat? 😕

  12. User avatar Feral Falmer says:

    5 stars
    So easy to cook! My kids loved it and I felt healthy eating it! Vegetable rules! 🌿👍

  13. User avatar kristal.white says:

    4 stars
    Awesome, I used sweet potatoes instead and it was a hit!

  14. User avatar zack.carroll72 says:

    2 stars
    No Worcestershire sauce? Bold choice 😅 I know it’s vegetarian, but I miss that savory depth. Might add a splash of soy sauce or something to compensate.

    1. 5 stars
      Totally get that! I left out Worcestershire since it’s usually not fully vegetarian/contains anchovies. A splash of soy sauce (or even mushroom/veg bouillon) could definitely add that savory “umami” punch. I’d start with like 1 tsp and adjust.

  15. User avatar sheron.paucek says:

    3 stars
    Vegetable broth? Is that the same as chicken broth? 🤔

    1. User avatar tashia.kihn says:

      5 stars
      No, vegetable broth is made from veggies, not chicken. It’s good for vegetarian dishes! 😊

  16. 3 stars
    It was okay but I thought it would be more flavorful. Maybe add more spices?

  17. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    3 stars
    Not gonna lie, my mash slid a little and I got more of a casserole than a pie. Still tasted great though—will try scoring the potato layer next time.

  18. User avatar rickie.thompson59 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but can definitely taste the lack of meat. Maybe add some mushrooms next time.

    1. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know about adding mushrooms. Seems like it would just make it mushy. I like it as is, less is more!

    2. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      I think mushrooms would be a great addition! They really give that umami flavor. Might even add some walnuts for crunch too!

  19. User avatar golden.torphy38 says:

    5 stars
    This was delish! My family loved it!

  20. User avatar Super Saiyan Vegeta says:

    1 star
    Where’s the meat? This isn’t a real shepherd’s pie.

    1. 2 stars
      Real shepherd’s pie uses meat! No meat, no shepherd’s pie. Just a veggie dish.

  21. User avatar Vilma Pouros DDS says:

    3 stars
    Mine came out a bit watery. I think I used too much broth? Next time I’ll simmer longer before baking.

    1. User avatar diego.schumm says:

      5 stars
      I’ve had that happen too—yep, too much broth can make the filling loose. Next time I’d simmer it a bit longer (or cook it uncovered) so it thickens before baking.

    2. User avatar cliff.williamson says:

      4 stars
      Maybe your broth ratio was fine, but did you let it rest? If you don’t rest 5-10 mins, it can seem watery when you slice it.

  22. User avatar Margot Fenring says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! Super hearty and full of flavor. Will definitely make again. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    1. User avatar cedric.champlin says:

      2 stars
      I tried it, but it was too mushy for my taste. I prefer my pies crispier. 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar luis.hills1953 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! This recipe really is a winner. Do you have any suggestions for variations?

  23. User avatar dusty.graham27 says:

    4 stars
    my potatoes didn’t brown and the top stayed pale. maybe i used the wrong kind of mash? tastes good tho, just not pretty. next time i’ll broil at the end.

    1. User avatar Torchbugs says:

      5 stars
      Totally makes sense—400°F for 20 min usually browns faster with a thicker potato layer or a broil/grill step. If your mash was more creamy and spread thin, it can stay pale. Next time try a slightly thicker layer and broil for 1–3 minutes at the end like you said. Glad it still tasted good!

  24. User avatar dustin.kling74 says:

    3 stars
    Uhh, are you sure this is shepherd’s pie? Where’s the meat? But yeah, it’s not bad for plant stuff.

    1. User avatar clarisa.parisian97 says:

      4 stars
      I know right? It’s not traditional, but kinda tasty anyway! 🙂

  25. User avatar micah.price says:

    5 stars
    Yummy and healthy! My kids ate everything, even the peas!

  26. User avatar ardith.hartmann30 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! Added some mushrooms and it made it even better. Thanks for sharing!

    1. 5 stars
      Mushrooms sound like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time.

  27. User avatar steve.padberg37 says:

    1 star
    Honestly, never heard of shepherd’s pie with veggies. Is that even a thing?

    1. User avatar alonzo.lebsack41 says:

      5 stars
      Yes, it is! Veggie shepherd’s pie is delicious and a great way to get your greens in. It’s one of my favorites!

    2. User avatar shad.goodwin23 says:

      2 stars
      Not sure if that’s a real thing. I’ve always known shepherd’s pie with meat. Sounds weird to me.

  28. User avatar norris.murphy says:

    2 stars
    I like eatin’ my veggies, but this was kinda bland. Needs more spices!

    1. User avatar zane.rath1980 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! I added extra spices like paprika and cumin to mine, and it was much better. Can’t have bland veggies!

  29. User avatar charita.adams says:

    3 stars
    Made this for dinner last night, not sure about the mashed potatoes on top… really?

  30. User avatar edwin.witting37 says:

    5 stars
    This was really good! I added some extra spices and it was a hit.

  31. User avatar coleman.pfeffer says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I used my own mashed potato recipe, added some cheese on top before baking, and it was a hit!

    1. User avatar kangaroo says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! Cheese on top is such a great idea! I’ll definitely try that next time!

  32. User avatar Restless Draugr says:

    5 stars
    Perfect for a cold night! I used sweet potatoes instead, super tasty!

  33. 4 stars
    I love this veggie twist on shepherd’s pie! So comforting and perfect for winter nights. Will make again! ☺️

  34. 5 stars
    This tastes super comforting—like real shepherd’s pie but lighter. The thyme/rosemary combo is doing work.

  35. User avatar rodger.gusikowski says:

    1 star
    Shepherd’s pie has meat! This is not a real shepherd’s pie, it’s just a veggie mix with potatoes. 😡

  36. User avatar nathan.reilly says:

    4 stars
    I used sweet potatoes instead, turned out sweet but nice. I reckon you could switch up the veg too, ya know.

    1. User avatar sharlene.kirlin60 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, sweet potatoes might be too much sweet. Regular potatoes are good enough for me. Not sure about all this.

    2. User avatar tiana.davis says:

      5 stars
      Sweet potatoes? That’s a cool twist! I bet the flavor is awesome! Can’t wait to try it myself!

  37. User avatar evelina.orn44 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! So flavorful and hearty. My family loved it! I added some mushrooms for extra umami.

  38. 5 stars
    This looks seriously comforting. The thyme/rosemary combo is such a good call for a shepherd’s pie vibe—can’t wait to try it with my usual extra garlic.

  39. User avatar dori.boehm8 says:

    2 stars
    I found it too bland… needs more seasoning!

    1. User avatar mary.ankunding says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! I added some cumin and chili powder to mine and it was way better. Definitely needs a kick!

  40. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    5 stars
    I accidentally grabbed fresh thyme instead of dried and it still came out awesome. Probably even more fragrant.

  41. User avatar tandy.bechtelar says:

    2 stars
    I don’t understand why people call it shepherd’s pie if it’s not actually meat? 😅 But recipe-wise, it’s decent. I used canned peas and it was fine.

  42. 1 star
    Disgusting! I didn’t like it at all. Who puts peas in a shepherd’s pie? It’s just wrong!

    1. 4 stars
      I personally love peas, they add a sweet crunch! Maybe you just don’t like them? 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar li.abbott says:

      2 stars
      Putin pees in shepherd’s pie? Nah, that sounds ridiculous. Are you sure you didn’t mess up the recipe?

  43. User avatar carroll.nikolaus says:

    3 stars
    The flavor is good, but mine came out a little watery. I think my frozen corn had more ice than expected—next time I’ll simmer longer or drain the veggies.

  44. 4 stars
    Simple recipe that turned out great! Will make again for sure!

  45. User avatar krista.reinger says:

    4 stars
    Yum! This was a hit at dinner. Even my meat-loving husband enjoyed it! Who knew veggie could be good! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  46. User avatar gale.bartell39 says:

    5 stars
    Five stars from me. I followed it exactly and it was delicious. Also super easy for a weeknight—vegetables stayed nice and not mushy.

  47. User avatar jessica.durgan20 says:

    4 stars
    EASY and healthy! Perfect for my vegetarian diet. I’ve made it twice already!

  48. User avatar dong.wuckert says:

    4 stars
    So simple and easy to make! Will share this with my friends. Perfect to use up leftover veggies.

  49. User avatar casey.baumbach says:

    5 stars
    Vegetables are good for u! So I like this. Keep making healthy food!

  50. User avatar elton.wilderman says:

    3 stars
    I tried this but my mashed potatoes were too runny, and it didn’t turn out right. Gonna give it another shot though.

    1. 2 stars
      Runny potatoes? How do you even do that? Just make sure to drain them well before mashing!

    2. 4 stars
      Don’t worry, it happens! Maybe try using less broth next time? That helped me.

  51. User avatar buster.wintheiser79 says:

    3 stars
    Too much tomato paste I think. Could taste it too strongly.

    1. User avatar ehtel.herzog2005 says:

      4 stars
      I think it’s just the right amount! Tomato paste gives it richness. Maybe try less next time?

    2. User avatar Bob Frapples says:

      5 stars
      Nah, too much? I love that flavor! It needs to be strong, come on! 😋

  52. User avatar Galadriel says:

    3 stars
    Good but too much thyme for my taste. Next time I’ll use only half a teaspoon. Still tasty tho!

  53. User avatar Rene Beier says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this. Seems too plain to me. Butr hey, I ain’t a chef.

  54. User avatar avis.donnelly41 says:

    4 stars
    Followed it exactly and the top browned nicely. I added a little extra garlic because I can’t help myself.

  55. User avatar houston.white says:

    4 stars
    So simple yet so delicious! My kids loved it, will make it again for sure!

    1. User avatar rich.landlord says:

      2 stars
      Really? My kids refused to touch their veggies, so I guess I’m doing something wrong!

    2. 5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! This recipe is a family favorite in my house too!

  56. User avatar willard.champlin33 says:

    2 stars
    Why is it called shepherd’s pie if there’s no meat? Isn’t that odd?

  57. User avatar carina.leffler2010 says:

    5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! Even my meat-loving husband loved it. Def gonna make it again!

  58. User avatar Winifred Langosh says:

    5 stars
    Easier than I thought! I’ll definitely add this to my meals.

  59. User avatar sharie.christiansen1985 says:

    2 stars
    Didn’t turn out at all like the pic. My mashed potatoes were too runny… sad.

  60. User avatar Reg Nullify says:

    4 stars
    Can I use instant mashed potatoes? Don’t wanna waste too much time.

3.68 from 125 votes
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