Vegetable Sheperd's Pie with Sweet Potato Toppings
This Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Toppings is a healthy, plant-based twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with lentils, hearty vegetables, and topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, it's a gluten-free, nutritious dinner perfect for the whole family. Discover how to make this delicious dish with easy-to-follow steps, tips for kid-friendly variations, and more on Satisfy Your Cravings!
Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling the sweet potatoes.
- Potato masher or hand mixer: To mash the sweet potatoes into a smooth topping.
- Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking the vegetable filling.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the vegetables and filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Baking dish (9x13 inches or similar size): To assemble and bake the shepherd’s pie.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables.
- Colander or strainer: For draining lentils and sweet potatoes (if necessary).
- Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish from the oven.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Large carrots, diced
- 2 Celery stalks, diced
- 1 Cup Frozen peas
- 1 Cup Frozen corn
- 1 Cup Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (15oz) Can Lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15oz) Can Diced tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 Tsp Dried thyme
- 1 Tsp Dried rosemary
- 1 Tsp Paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Cup Vegetable broth
For the Sweet Potato Topping:
- 4 Medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 Tbsp Butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened almond milk (or any preferred milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tsp Ground cinnamon (optional, for a sweeter flavor)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:Peel and cube the sweet potatoes and place them in a large pot.Cover the sweet potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft enough to mash.Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes with butter, almond milk, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables: While the sweet potatoes are boiling, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.Stir in the garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Build the Filling:Add the peas, corn, lentils, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine.Pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld together and the liquid reduces slightly.Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 4: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).Spread the vegetable and lentil mixture evenly in a large baking dish.Carefully spoon the mashed sweet potatoes on top of the vegetable filling, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.For a more rustic look, use the back of a fork to create swirls or ridges in the mashed sweet potatoes. This will help them brown and crisp slightly in the oven.
- Step 5: Bake to Perfection:Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is slightly golden and the filling is bubbling.Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before serving.