Sunday Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Name: Sunday Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

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I love making this Sunday Lentil Shepherd’s Pie for a cozy family dinner. The hearty blend of lentils and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes warms my soul, especially on a chilly day. It’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition, making it perfect for everyone, whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and it's a great way to use up leftover veggies. Honestly, this dish has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!

Created by

Maeve Colchester

Last updated on 2026-01-12T05:50:35.521Z

When I first made this Sunday Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the lentils mimicked the texture of traditional meat filling. I used a blend of spices and herbs that gave it depth and flavor, making it truly comforting. The key to achieving a creamy topping is to mash the potatoes while they're still hot and mix in a bit of butter and milk. This way, it gives a velvety finish that beautifully complements the savory filling.

Over time, I've tweaked the recipe by adding seasonal vegetables like carrots and peas, which not only enhance the taste but also boost the nutritional value. The leftovers, if there are any, taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Trust me, this recipe is a must-try for those cozy weekends!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty and nutritious lentils packed with flavor
Creamy mashed potatoes make for a satisfying topping
A comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The heart of this Sunday Lentil Shepherd’s Pie lies in its filling, where lentils serve as a wonderful meat substitute. They not only provide plant-based protein but also bring a delightful earthy flavor that complements the vegetables. Brown or green lentils work best here since they hold their shape during cooking, ensuring a satisfying texture in the final dish. If you’re in a pinch, canned lentils can be used—just drain and rinse them before adding them to the vegetable filling.

The mix of onion, carrots, and celery offers a classic mirepoix base, enriching the filling with sweetness and depth. Sauté these ingredients until they soften and become aromatic, which usually takes 5-7 minutes. This step is critical as it creates a flavorful foundation, enhancing the overall taste of your shepherd's pie. Don't rush this process; allowing the vegetables to caramelize slightly will bring about a richer flavor profile.

Techniques for Creamy Mashed Potatoes

For the mashed potato topping, the quality of your potatoes significantly influences the final texture. Opt for starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds; they yield a light and fluffy mash. Boil the potatoes in salted water to ensure they absorb flavor. When mashing, I recommend using a potato ricer for an ultra-smooth consistency, but a traditional masher works just as well if you prefer a bit of chunkiness.

Incorporating butter and milk while the potatoes are still hot is key to achieving a creamy mash. This is the time to season generously with salt and pepper—taste as you go! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute some of the butter with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that compliments the lentil filling beautifully.

Serving and Storing Tips

After baking, allow the Shepherd’s Pie to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling to set, making it easier to scoop and serve. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. If you want to elevate the dish even further, drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over individual servings for an extra layer of flavor.

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes, covering with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delightful Sunday Lentil Shepherd’s Pie.

For the Filling

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to prepare these ingredients before moving on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to whip up your own Lentil Shepherd’s Pie.

Cook the Lentils

In a pot, add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid.

Prepare the Vegetable Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. Then add tomato paste, cooked lentils, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Assemble and Bake

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the lentil filling in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes, smoothing it out. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

Serve

Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with a side salad or crusty bread!

Now that you've gone through the steps, it's time to enjoy your delightful creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to the filling before baking.

Customize Your Filling

Feel free to personalize the filling of this shepherd's pie by adding your favorite vegetables. Peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers make a great addition, providing extra color and nutrients. If you choose to include mushrooms, sauté them until they have released their moisture before adding them to the lentil mixture to avoid a soggy filling.

For a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the vegetable mix. If you prefer a sweeter edge, toss in some corn or sweeter bell peppers. These variations not only diversify the flavors but also promote the use of seasonal produce.

Flavor Boosters

To enhance the flavor of the lentils, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce when cooking the filling. These ingredients contribute umami depth, making the dish even more satisfying. Just be sure to reduce the amount of salt you add initially, as these sauces are inherently salty.

Another layer of flavor can come from fresh herbs. If you have access to fresh thyme or rosemary, they can be stirred in just before baking the shepherd's pie to provide a fragrant and vibrant note. Fresh herbs generally offer a more pronounced taste than dried so add them judiciously for balanced flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned lentils. Just drain and rinse them, and add them when you prepare the vegetable filling.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure that the vegetable broth and any sauces used are gluten-free.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! This pie freezes well. Just cover tightly and store it for up to 3 months.

→ What sides pair well with Shepherd's Pie?

A light side salad or steamed green vegetables complement this dish beautifully.