Spoon Simple
Quick Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
A hearty and healthy vegetarian twist on Shepherd's Pie, featuring a savory lentil filling topped with a fluffy, slightly sweet mashed sweet potato crust. It's a wholesome and satisfying family meal.
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
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step 2 — For the Sweet Potato Topping
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3 large), peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Sweet Potato Topping
Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until very tender. Drain well. Mash with butter/oil and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- 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 minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 3
Cook Lentils
Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, and tomato paste. 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
Assemble & Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish. Spoon the mashed sweet potato topping evenly over the lentil filling. Use a fork to create some texture on top.
- 5
Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the sweet potato topping is lightly golden. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition per serving: 450 cal · 20g protein · 65g carbs · 12g fat · 15g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
