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Meatless Shepherd's Pie

This vegetarian shepherd's pie has completely transformed how I think about meatless meals because it combines hearty white beans and mushrooms with colorful winter vegetables in this amazing savory wine sauce all topped with creamy cheesy mashed potatoes and what makes it really special is how it gives you all the comfort of traditional shepherd's pie while being completely vegetarian plus it's perfect for cold weather when you want something warming and filling and even meat lovers ask for seconds and I love how the potatoes get those crispy golden edges while staying creamy underneath and how all the vegetables and beans soak up that rich wine sauce while they cook together.

Featured in Reliable Main Course Recipes.

Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:14:50 GMT
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A serving of shepherd's pie with a golden mashed potato topping and a spoon revealing the hearty filling underneath, surrounded by herbs and vegetables. Pin it
A serving of shepherd's pie with a golden mashed potato topping and a spoon revealing the hearty filling underneath, surrounded by herbs and vegetables. | alicesrecipes.com

The Coziest Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

I've perfected this meatless version of shepherd's pie that's pure comfort in every bite. Loaded with vegetables creamy white beans and topped with cheesy mashed potatoes it's the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy. Best part? It's naturally gluten free and you can easily customize it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn't your average casserole. The combination of mushrooms white beans and vegetables creates such a rich filling while that cheesy potato topping gets perfectly golden in the oven. It's become my go-to recipe for cozy family dinners or when I'm feeding a crowd.

For Your Hearty Filling

  • • Good Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing everything
  • • Fresh Mirepoix: 1 cup each onion carrots and celery diced small
  • • Fresh Garlic: 3 cloves minced fine
  • • Meaty Mushrooms: 8 ounces chopped up
  • • Rich Liquids: ½ cup red wine plus 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • • Savory Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • • Creamy Beans: 1 can white beans drained and rinsed
  • • Flavorful Broth: 1½ cups vegetable stock
  • • Fresh Herbs: 1 teaspoon each thyme and rosemary plus a bay leaf
  • • Colorful Veggies: 1½ cups peas and corn
A hearty dish featuring a layer of creamy mashed potatoes topped with herbs, resting on a mixture of ground meat, beans, and colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. Pin it
A hearty dish featuring a layer of creamy mashed potatoes topped with herbs, resting on a mixture of ground meat, beans, and colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. | alicesrecipes.com

For That Perfect Potato Top

  • • Creamy Potatoes: 2 pounds Yukon Gold or russets peeled and chunked
  • • Rich Butter: 4 tablespoons for extra indulgence
  • • Tangy Cream: ¼ cup sour cream
  • • Sharp Cheese: ½ cup white cheddar shredded
  • • Simple Salt: Just enough to taste

Let's Make It Together

Start The Filling
Heat your olive oil and cook those veggies until they're soft and fragrant. Add garlic and mushrooms let them get golden.
Build The Flavor
Pour in your wine vinegar and broth add beans and herbs. Let it all simmer until it's thick and delicious.
Make Those Potatoes
Boil your potatoes until tender then mash them with butter sour cream and cheese until they're perfectly creamy.
Put It Together
Top your filling with those potatoes and bake at 400°F until golden. Let the top get a little crispy under the broiler.
Time To Feast
Give it a few minutes to cool then serve it up with a salad or some crusty bread.
A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with sautéed mushrooms and mixed vegetables in a savory sauce. Pin it
A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with sautéed mushrooms and mixed vegetables in a savory sauce. | alicesrecipes.com

Make It Your Own

  • • Lighter Version: Skip the cheese in the potatoes
  • • Plant Based: Use vegan butter and cream
  • • Extra Veggies: Try adding spinach zucchini or parsnips
  • • No Wine: Just use extra broth and vinegar

Keeping It Fresh

  • • Short Term: Keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 days
  • • Long Term: Freezes up to 2 months in portions
  • • Warming Up: Heat in the oven until bubbly or microwave gently

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the red wine?

Yes, replace with extra vegetable broth and vinegar, though you'll lose some depth of flavor.

→ How do I prevent the potatoes from sinking?

Make sure the filling is thick and let it cool slightly before adding the potato layer.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Replace dairy with plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives in the potato topping.

→ Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, make filling and potatoes up to a day ahead, then assemble and bake when needed.

→ Why do you broil at the end?

Broiling creates golden spots on the potato topping for extra flavor and texture.

Bean Shepherd's Pie

A hearty vegetarian casserole featuring white beans and vegetables in rich gravy, topped with cheesy mashed potatoes.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
65 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: British

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons olive oil.
02 1 cup onion, diced.
03 1 cup carrots, diced.
04 1/2 cup celery, sliced.
05 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced.
06 3 garlic cloves, minced.
07 1/2 cup red wine.
08 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar.
09 3 tablespoons tomato paste.
10 2 cups vegetable broth.
11 1 can white beans, drained.
12 Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley).
13 1/2 teaspoon salt.
14 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
15 1 bay leaf.
16 1 1/2 cups frozen vegetables.
17 2 pounds potatoes, peeled, chopped.
18 3 tablespoons butter.
19 1/4 cup sour cream.
20 1/2 teaspoon salt.
21 3/4 cup white cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Boil potatoes until soft. Mash with butter, sour cream, and add cheese.

Step 02

Sauté vegetables until soft. Add garlic. Add wine and vinegar. Cook down liquid.

Step 03

Add broth, beans, and herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add frozen vegetables.

Step 04

Layer filling in a dish, top with potatoes, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Broil for 1-3 minutes until golden.

Notes

  1. Make ahead friendly.
  2. Freezes well.
  3. Great winter meal.
  4. Can skip mushrooms.
  5. Customizable vegetables.
  6. Naturally gluten-free.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Baking dish.
  • Potato masher.
  • Large pot.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cheese, sour cream).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 12 g