Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting plant-based twist on the classic Shepherd’s Pie — made with hearty lentils, tender vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping that’s both gluten- and dairy-free. This wholesome dish captures all the rich, savoury depth of the traditional version, but in a lighter, nourishing, plant-based way.

Perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or family dinners, this Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Shepherd’s Pie is packed with flavour, texture, and comfort. Every bite delivers a balance of earthy lentils, aromatic herbs, and velvety mashed potatoes that are creamy without any dairy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1 celery stick, diced

• 1 can (400g) green or brown lentils, drained and rinsed

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 250ml vegetable stock (gluten-free)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the mash:

• 800g potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 2 tbsp dairy-free butter alternative

• 3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)

• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

   Make the filling:

2. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in lentils, tomato purée, soy sauce, thyme, and vegetable stock. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened and flavourful. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

   Make the mash:

4. Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and mash with dairy-free butter and almond milk until smooth and creamy. Add salt to taste.

   Assemble:

5. Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread smoothly with a fork to create ridges (for extra crispiness).

   Bake:

6. Place in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

   Serve:

7. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm with steamed greens or a crisp side salad.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.

Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be frozen for easy future meals, comfort food that’s as practical as it is delicious.

If you loved this, try my Vegan Tacos or for a quick and easy dinner Vegan Ramen

See all Vegan Recipes

What Makes This Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Special

This vegan version keeps all the comfort of a classic Shepherd’s Pie but replaces meat with lentils — rich in protein and fibre — creating a hearty, satisfying texture. The mash is made creamy with dairy-free butter and almond milk, offering the same velvety richness without dairy.

It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for families or guests with food sensitivities. The result is a dish that’s deeply warming, nourishing, and full of homely flavour — the kind of meal you’ll want to curl up with again and again.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Shepherd’s Pie piping hot straight from the oven, with sides like steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas. For extra flair, sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley on top before serving.

It also pairs beautifully with a tangy side salad — think rocket, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze — to balance the rich lentil filling.

For an extra indulgent touch, dust the top of the mash with nutritional yeast before baking for a “cheesy” golden crust.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This dish keeps perfectly for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until piping hot, or microwave individual portions for a quick, comforting lunch.

If freezing, let it cool completely before covering tightly. You can also bake it directly from frozen — just add 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

Optional Tips & Variations

• Add mushrooms or peas to the filling for extra depth.

• Sprinkle nutritional yeast or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for a golden crust.

• Replace half the potatoes with sweet potato for a subtly sweet variation.

• Use red lentils for a softer texture or green for a firmer bite.

• Add a splash of tamari or balsamic vinegar for richer umami flavour.

What's our story? Find out who is Bee and how did Bee Busy With Bee come about!