Name: Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds russet potatoes; 3 tablespoons vegan butter; 3/4 cup unsweetened, unflavored cashew milk or other non-dairy milk; 3/4 teaspoon salt, or more to taste; few shakes black pepper; 1 1/2 cups vegan cheese shreds, cheddar preferred; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups cooked lentils, drained and rinsed (2-15oz cans or see notes for dry lentils); 2 teaspoons dried rosemary; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 3/4 teaspoon salt; few shakes black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups frozen pea and carrot mix; 1 cup frozen corn

Jump to Recipe·5 from 22 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, I’ve got just the thing for you: my Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe. This dish is everything you want in comfort food—rich lentil filling bubbling under a fluffy layer of cheesy mashed potatoes, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some serious soul food, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this one!

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Why This Recipe Works

Comfort Food Classic Reimagined: Uses lentils as a hearty, plant-based filling that’s full of flavor and protein.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: The vegan cheddar mixed in the potatoes and sprinkled on top creates a melty, golden crust you’ll crave.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Pantry staples like tomato paste, herbs, and veggie broth build layers of savory depth.
Crowd-Pleasing & Flexible: Perfect for meal prepping, can be frozen, and easy to customize for diet preferences.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, hearty vegetarian shepherd’s pie, vegan shepherd’s pie recipe, comfort food lentil dish, cheesy mashed potato casserole - The dish is a layered casserole in a white dish, with three clear layers. The top layer is bright yellow melted cheese, covering the entire surface smoothly. Below this is a thick white layer of mashed potatoes, soft and creamy in texture. The bottom layer is a rich mix of lentils, corn, green peas, and diced carrots, all in a thick, brown sauce. A spoon is lifting a portion, showing the distinct layers, and a woman's hand holds the spoon from the right side. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe brings together simple yet thoughtfully paired ingredients that build flavor and texture without any fuss. Each component plays a role—from the creamy mash that balances the savory lentil mix, to the quick-cooking frozen veggies that add sweetness and crunch.

Russet potatoes: Perfect for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes because of their high starch content.
Vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth mash without overpowering.
Cashew milk (or other non-dairy milk): Keeps the mash dairy-free while adding creaminess.
Vegan cheddar cheese shreds: Melts beautifully into the potatoes and on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Cooked lentils: The meatiness comes from these plant-based gems—they soak up all the herbs and sauce for great flavor and texture.
Olive oil, onion & garlic: The flavor base that adds sweetness and depth.
Dried rosemary & thyme: Classic herbs that bring out earthy, savory notes perfect for the filling.
Vegan Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a slight tang that lifts the filling’s flavor.
Tomato paste & flour: Build a thick, luscious gravy to bind the filling together.
Vegetable broth: Thins the filling just enough and adds extra savory depth.
Frozen peas, carrots, and corn: A quick way to add color, sweetness, and some veggie crunch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Honestly, it’s such a forgiving recipe that adjusts beautifully whether you’re aiming for more veggies, spicier flavors, or swapping in different plant proteins.

Variation: Once, I tossed in some chopped mushrooms alongside the onions for extra “meaty” texture—it was a game changer for me.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening. Works just as well without a hitch.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the lentil filling for a subtle smoky kick.
Cheese-Free Version: It’s still delicious without the vegan cheese—though I personally recommend the cheesy topping for that golden, bubbling finish!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Perfect Your Mashed Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and chopping them into large, even chunks—this helps them cook evenly. Bring a pot of cold water to a boil, immerse your potatoes, and boil uncovered for about 15 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Draining them quickly and returning them to the pot retains that starchy warmth for better mashing. I like to add vegan butter, a splash of cashew milk, salt, and black pepper, then mash until smooth and creamy. Stir in ¾ cup of the vegan cheddar cheese here to get that subtle melty goodness throughout the mash. Cover your potatoes and set aside while you work on the filling—this keeps them nice and warm without drying out.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Filling

Preheat your oven to 400℉ now so it’s ready when you are. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent—this sweetness is the flavor foundation. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it. Next up, add your cooked lentils, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything well to combine—this is when the lentils soak up all those savory notes. Adding the flour next helps thicken the filling, so mix thoroughly to avoid clumps. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, then fold in peas, carrots, and corn. Let the mixture come to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step ensures your filling is thick, rich, and luscious.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Shepherd’s Pie

Transfer the lentil filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish or your favorite cast iron pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula—you want a smooth surface for the topping to sit on. Now, spoon your cheesy mashed potatoes on top and gently spread them out to cover the lentil mixture completely, being careful not to disturb the filling beneath. Finish by sprinkling the remaining vegan cheddar evenly over the top; this will create a gorgeous golden crust. Pop the whole thing in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble up and the cheese topping turns that perfect golden brown. Serve immediately—this is comfort food at its finest!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Cook Potatoes Evenly: Cut your potatoes into similar-sized chunks so they cook uniformly and mash perfectly.
Don’t Skip Resting the Mash: Let your mashed potatoes rest covered—it helps them stay creamy and smooth before baking.
Prevent a Watery Filling: Make sure to simmer the lentil mix enough to thicken it; too much liquid will make the pie soggy.
Cheese Topping Perfection: Using vegan cheddar works wonders, but if you can’t find it, adding nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor boost.

How to Serve Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives—not just because they look gorgeous but because their brightness cuts through the richness beautifully. A light drizzle of vegan gravy or a spoonful of tangy mustard on the side can also elevate the dish, especially on colder nights.

Side Dishes

Pair this Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to lighten up the meal. Roasted brussels sprouts or steamed green beans work wonderfully too, adding that fresh, veggie crunch we all want alongside comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this pie in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and sprinkled breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy finish. It makes the dinner feel fancy but stays totally comforting and familiar. Another fun idea is layering sweet potatoes into the mash for a colorful twist or swirling in roasted garlic for extra depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge. It keeps perfectly for up to 4 days—just make sure you cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess. I love how the flavors even deepen when it rests overnight!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie multiple times with great success. Cool the pie fully, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350℉ until heated through. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350℉ for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. I find that the mash stays creamy and the cheese melts back nicely without drying out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just watch for uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you’re using dried lentils, rinse 1½ cups and simmer them in 4 cups of water for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water before using them in the filling. This extra step adds minimal prep but boosts flavor and texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken your filling. Other than that, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add diced mushrooms, spinach, or even chopped bell peppers to the lentil filling. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the lentils to keep the textures balanced.
What can I substitute for the vegan cheese?

If you don’t have vegan cheddar on hand, you can leave it out or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Some people also enjoy making their own vegan mozzarella for a stretchy, melty topping.

Final Thoughts

This Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a labor of love—comforting, nourishing, and purely satisfying. I love how it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into something special enough for weeknights and cozy enough for a weekend treat. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite in your recipe rotation that your family and friends will ask for again and again.