Spoon Simple
Hearty Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
A comforting and nutritious vegetarian twist on shepherd's pie, featuring a rich lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. A wholesome meal that's satisfying for everyone.
Prep 25 min
Cook 45 min
Total 1h 10m
Serves 4
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Lentil Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Step 2 — For the Sweet Potato Topping
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cook Sweet Potatoes
Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
- 2
Sauté Vegetables
While sweet potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 3
Simmer Lentil Filling
Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Mash Sweet Potatoes
Mash the drained sweet potatoes with butter (or olive oil), milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency as needed.
- 5
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the lentil filling evenly in the skillet. Carefully spoon or spread the mashed sweet potato topping over the lentil mixture, ensuring it's sealed around the edges. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
Nutrition per serving: 580 cal · 25g protein · 80g carbs · 18g fat · 20g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
