Spoon Simple
Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Mash
A comforting and nutritious take on a classic, this shepherd's pie features a savory lentil filling topped with a vibrant sweet potato mash. It's a hearty vegetarian meal that satisfies.
Prep 25 min
Cook 45 min
Total 1h 10m
Serves 6
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Lentil Filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian if needed)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 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 unsweetened plant-based milk
- 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 Filling Base
While sweet potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 3
Cook Lentils
Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender and liquid has mostly been absorbed. Stir in frozen peas and season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Mash Topping
Mash the drained sweet potatoes with butter (or olive oil), milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
- 5
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the lentil filling evenly in the bottom of the skillet (if not oven-safe, transfer to a baking dish). Spoon the sweet potato mash over the lentil filling, spreading it to cover completely. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
Nutrition per serving: 510 cal · 25g protein · 70g carbs · 18g fat · 18g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
