Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting, hearty plant-based twist on the classic casserole. Tender lentils simmered with vegetables and savory seasonings create a rich, satisfying filling, while creamy mashed sweet potatoes form a naturally sweet and vibrant topping. This nourishing, wholesome dish is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or serving to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dried green or brown lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire (vegan if needed)

Sweet Potato Topping

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
• ¼ cup milk or plant milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook Lentils

In a saucepan, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes until tender. Drain excess liquid if needed.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Make Filling

Stir in tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, soy sauce, and Worcestershire. Add cooked lentils and peas. Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Cook Sweet Potatoes

Boil sweet potato cubes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.

Step 5: Mash Topping

Mash sweet potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble

Spread lentil filling in a baking dish. Spoon mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until heated through and lightly golden on top.

Variations

• Add mushrooms for deeper umami flavor and a meatier texture
• Mix lentils with cooked quinoa for extra protein and texture
• Add corn or green beans for more vegetable variety
• Top with shredded cheese before baking for a creamy crust
• Use mashed potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for a classic taste
• Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note
• Stir spinach or kale into the lentil layer for extra greens
• Make individual ramekin portions for serving

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a simple green salad for balance and freshness
• Pair with crusty bread to scoop up the hearty filling
• Add a spoon of yogurt or sour cream for creamy contrast
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives for brightness
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for a full vegetarian meal
• Add a drizzle of olive oil or chili oil for richness and warmth
• Pair with pickled vegetables to cut through the sweetness
• Serve in shallow bowls for cozy comfort-food presentation

Prep Time / Cook Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 9g

Conclusion

Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a nourishing, satisfying vegetarian comfort dish that brings together savory lentils and creamy sweet potato topping in a warm baked casserole. Rich in flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s a perfect cozy meal for family dinners, meal prep, or plant-based entertaining.