This comforting shepherd's pie is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with hearty vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it's a satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table. The rich flavors and textures make it a favorite for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
When preparing this shepherd's pie, you might need to pick up a few specific ingredients. Unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter might not be staples in every household, so be sure to check your pantry before heading to the supermarket. These ingredients help create a creamy, dairy-free mashed potato topping.

Ingredients For Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich flavor.
Onion: Provides a savory base for the dish.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the filling.
Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture.
Peas: Brings a pop of color and sweetness.
Corn: Adds a sweet, juicy element.
Tomato paste: Gives a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Vegetable broth: Creates a flavorful base for the filling.
Thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness.
Rosemary: Provides a fragrant, pine-like flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
Potatoes: The main ingredient for the creamy topping.
Unsweetened almond milk: Used to create a creamy, dairy-free mashed potato topping.
Vegan butter: Adds richness to the mashed potatoes.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mashing the potatoes, ensure they are thoroughly cooked and still hot. This will make them easier to mash and result in a smoother texture. Adding the almond milk and vegan butter while the potatoes are hot helps them absorb the flavors better, creating a creamy and rich topping for your shepherd's pie.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a slight sweetness to the dish.
Onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder flavor and can be a great alternative to onions in many recipes.
Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to garlic.
Carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture to carrots but offer a slightly sweeter taste.
Peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame provides a similar texture and adds a bit more protein to the dish.
Corn - Substitute with diced bell peppers: Bell peppers add a different texture and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor.
Tomato paste - Substitute with pureed roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a rich, smoky flavor that can enhance the dish.
Vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth adds a deep, umami flavor that can enhance the overall taste.
Thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano offers a robust flavor that complements many savory dishes.
Rosemary - Substitute with sage: Sage provides a slightly earthy and peppery flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be mashed to a similar consistency and offers a lower-carb alternative.
Unsweetened almond milk - Substitute with unsweetened soy milk: Soy milk has a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative.
Vegan butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide the necessary fat content and a slight sweetness.
Salt - Substitute with tamari: Tamari adds a salty, umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly different flavor profile compared to black pepper.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the shepherd's pie to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the mashed potatoes soggy.
For short-term storage, transfer the shepherd's pie to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing. First, wrap the entire baking dish with plastic wrap, ensuring it is tightly sealed. Then, cover it with a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Alternatively, you can portion out the shepherd's pie into individual servings. Place each serving in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This makes reheating easier and more convenient.
Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness. The shepherd's pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to reheat, if frozen, thaw the shepherd's pie in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Reheat the shepherd's pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take up to 45 minutes. Cover with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly.
For a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
To maintain the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, you can add a splash of unsweetened almond milk or a small pat of vegan butter before reheating. This helps to rehydrate the potatoes and keep them smooth.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the leftover shepherd's pie to an oven-safe dish if it's not already in one.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the mashed potatoes from drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetable mixture is heated through and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up.
Microwave Method:
- Place a portion of the shepherd's pie on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
- Check the temperature and stir if necessary. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed.
Stovetop Method:
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil or vegan butter to the skillet.
- Add the shepherd's pie and cover with a lid.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetable mixture is heated through and the mashed potatoes are warm.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place a portion of the shepherd's pie in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If the top isn't crispy enough, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the shepherd's pie until the top is golden brown.
Large skillet: Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and other vegetables.
Large pot: Used to boil the potatoes until they are tender.
Baking dish: Used to transfer the vegetable mixture and spread the mashed potatoes on top before baking.
Potato masher: Used to mash the boiled potatoes with almond milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the vegetables and mix in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, and seasonings.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients like olive oil, vegetable broth, and almond milk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out smaller quantities of ingredients like thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Chopping board: Used as a surface to chop the onions, garlic, and carrots.
Chef's knife: Used to chop the onions, garlic, and carrots.
Peeler: Used to peel the potatoes before chopping and boiling them.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop onions, garlic, and carrots ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use frozen vegetables: Opt for frozen peas and corn to save time on prep work.
Instant mashed potatoes: Use instant mashed potatoes as a quick alternative to boiling and mashing fresh potatoes.
One-pot cooking: Cook the vegetable mixture in an oven-safe skillet to skip the transfer step.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while preparing the vegetables to save time.
Shepherds Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup corn
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- to taste salt and pepper
Mashed Potato Topping
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoon vegan butter
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add the diced carrots, peas, and corn to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a large pot until tender. Drain and mash with almond milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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