Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a warm, hearty, and comforting plant-based meal filled with savory vegetables and topped with smooth, velvety mashed potatoes. It perfectly captures the classic flavors of shepherd’s pie without any meat, making it ideal for cozy weeknights, meal prep, and satisfying nutritious dinners.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free (when using cornstarch)
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs starchy potatoes (such as Russets), peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable Filling
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1–2 tbsp flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and cube your potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain well and mash with butter and cream until smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Next, toss in your diced carrots, mushrooms, peas, and corn. Cook until softened and starting to brown, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Thicken the Filling: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch over the veggie mixture, stirring well to coat evenly. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while continuously stirring, allowing the mixture to thicken into a rich, saucy consistency. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Assemble the Pie: Transfer the cooked vegetable filling into a baking dish, smoothing it evenly. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes on top, using a spatula to create an even layer. For a decorative touch, use a fork to create ridges on the mashed potato surface—this also helps develop a golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for around 25-30 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes for the creamiest mashed potatoes; avoid waxy varieties.
- Season each component separately to build complex, balanced flavors.
- Slightly roast or sauté some vegetables for a caramelized note in the filling.
- Let the filling thicken fully to prevent a soggy mash topping and ensure the pie holds together.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary add an earthy aroma that complements vegetables well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of the pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Vegetarian, Shepherd's Pie, Mashed Potatoes, Comfort Food, Meatless, Plant-based, Gluten Free, Cozy Dinner