Spoon Simple
One-Pot Lentil Shepherd's Pie
A comforting and hearty vegetarian twist on a classic shepherd's pie. Savory lentils and vegetables are topped with a creamy mashed potato layer for a satisfying, healthy meal.
Prep 20 min
Cook 40 min
Total 1h
Serves 5
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 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
Step 2 — For the Mashed Potato Topping
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Boil Potatoes
Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- 2
Start Lentil Filling
While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Simmer Lentils
Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and the liquid has mostly been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Mash Potatoes
While lentils simmer, mash the drained potatoes with milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Add Peas & Assemble
Stir the frozen peas into the lentil filling. Taste and adjust seasoning. Preheat your broiler. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the lentil mixture in the skillet.
- 6
Broil
Place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until the potato topping is lightly golden brown and slightly crispy.
- 7
Serve
Let stand for a few minutes before serving directly from the skillet.
Nutrition per serving: 500 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.
