Dinner

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: A Comforting Delight! Recipe

Name: Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: A Comforting Delight! Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup lentils, rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon rosemary; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

BySana Jeannette December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

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Introduction

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. This vegetarian twist on the classic uses sweet potatoes and lentils to create a flavorful, satisfying meal anyone can enjoy.

A square piece of layered casserole is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown lentils mixed with small orange chunks, possibly vegetables, creating a textured base. Above this is a thick, smooth, pale yellow mashed layer, topped with a golden-brown, slightly crispy crust that appears to be baked cheese or mashed topping with browned spots. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top and around the plate edges, adding a fresh contrast. The lighting is warm and natural, highlighting the textures and colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
1 cup lentils, rinsed

1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then boil them until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils are cooked and the mixture has thickened, about 25-30 minutes.
Step 6: Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish, then top with the mashed sweet potatoes, smoothing the surface.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is slightly golden and the filling is bubbly.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, mash the sweet potatoes with a splash of plant-based milk or butter.
Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale into the lentil mixture for added greens.

Use red lentils for a quicker cooking time.
Sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top before baking for a cheesy flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals stirring occasionally to ensure even reheating.

How to Serve

A square piece of layered shepherd’s pie sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a mixture of small dark lentils and orange-colored chunks, likely vegetables, with a soft texture. Above this is a thick smooth middle layer of creamy mashed potatoes. The top layer is golden brown and slightly crispy mashed potatoes with a toasted texture, sprinkled with small green herb pieces for garnish. The edges show the layers clearly with some lentils and vegetables spilling slightly onto the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, regular potatoes work well as a topping, but sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and extra nutrients that complement the lentil filling.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. Let the pie cool completely, then freeze it in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.