Spoon Simple
Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
A comforting and hearty vegetarian twist on classic Shepherd's Pie, featuring a rich lentil filling topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. This protein-packed meal is both nutritious and satisfying for the whole family.
Prep 25 min
Cook 45 min
Total 1h 10m
Serves 6
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Lentil Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Step 2 — For the Sweet Potato Topping
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt and black 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. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 3
Simmer Lentil Filling
Stir in rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in frozen peas.
- 4
Mash Sweet Potatoes
Mash the drained sweet potatoes with milk, butter (or olive oil), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
- 5
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the mashed sweet potato topping evenly over the lentil filling in the skillet. Create decorative patterns with a fork if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly.
- 6
Rest and Serve
Let the pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition per serving: 490 cal · 25g protein · 70g carbs · 15g fat · 18g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
