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Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe

Avatar photoByLisa
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 120 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s hearty yet wholesome, you’re going to adore this Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s packed with flavor, super satisfying, and best of all – totally meat-free! I remember the first time I tried making this, I was amazed at how the lentils and veggies melded together under that creamy, cheesy cauliflower topping. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become a go-to weeknight favorite in your kitchen, too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty & Healthy: Lentils and veggies make this shepherd’s pie filling and packed with plant-based protein.
  • Cauliflower Mash Magic: The creamy mash is a lighter, lower-carb twist on traditional potato toppers, but just as comforting.
  • Easy to Customize: You can swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and enjoy leftovers that only get better after a day or two.
A white bowl holds a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is a mix of cooked lentils, peas, carrots, corn, and onions in green, orange, yellow, and brown tones, showing a soft and chunky texture, while the top layer is a thick, creamy, slightly browned mashed topping sprinkled with small green herb pieces. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl with its handle leaning on the edge. The bowl is placed on a folded blue cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash, lentil shepherd’s pie, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, healthy shepherd’s pie, cauliflower mash recipes this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe uses everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand – and a few notes on why these particular ingredients work so well.

Flat lay of a small bowl of cooked brown lentils, two tablespoons of golden butter on a white ceramic dish, a simple white bowl filled with diced bright orange carrots, a white bowl holding diced fresh green celery stalks, three unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl containing deep red tomato paste, a few fresh green thyme sprigs, small piles of dried parsley and dried oregano herbs on the surface, a tiny heap of vibrant green frozen peas, a small portion of pale yellow frozen corn kernels, a handful of small white pearl onions, a whole small head of fresh white cauliflower with its leafy base, a white bowl with plain creamy yogurt, a white bowl filled with whole milk, a small mound of shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash, lentil shepherd’s pie, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, healthy shepherd’s pie, cauliflower mash recipes
  • Dried Lentils: These are the heart of the filling, offering a meaty texture and protein without any fuss.
  • Butter: Adds richness both in the veggie base and the cauliflower mash for silky, indulgent flavor.
  • Celery & Carrots: Classic base veggies that bring sweetness and crunch.
  • Garlic: Gives that aromatic, savory punch that makes this pie irresistible.
  • Red Wine or Vegetable Stock: Deglazing with wine adds depth, but vegetable stock keeps it simple and enhances umami.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrated sweetness and acidity balance the dish wonderfully.
  • Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: A clever boost of flavor – definitely pick a vegetarian version to keep it meat-free.
  • Fresh/Dried Herbs: Thyme, parsley, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne for an extra little kick.
  • Frozen Peas, Corn & Pearl Onions: Easy frozen veggies that add pops of sweetness and texture.
  • Cauliflower: The star mash ingredient – creamy, light, and a perfect low-carb alternative.
  • Plain Yogurt & Whole Milk: These keep the mash creamy but fresh; Greek yogurt works great too.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, cheesy finish – just make sure to get a vegetarian-friendly version if needed.
  • Salt & Pepper: Season thoughtfully to bring out the natural flavors.
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.

Variations

I love how versatile this Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe is. I often switch up the veggies based on what I have in the fridge or what’s in season, so feel free to make it your own.

  • Add Mushrooms: I sometimes include chopped mushrooms for a richer, earthier filling – it’s amazing and adds a nice texture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter, milk, yogurt, and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, almond milk, and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
  • Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, try adding smoked paprika or a dash more cayenne to the filling.
  • Use Sweet Potato Mash: For a sweeter, colorful variation, swap the cauliflower mash for mashed sweet potatoes – just be sure to adjust the liquid amounts!

How to Make Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Lentils Perfectly

Start by cooking your dried lentils according to the package – usually about 1 cup lentils to 3 cups of vegetable stock or water. I like using veggie stock because it amps up the flavor right from the start. Be sure to season the cooking water lightly with salt; it helps the lentils get that full, savory taste I love. Once tender, drain and set aside. The key here is to avoid overcooking so your lentils stay intact, giving a nice bite to the filling instead of turning mushy.

Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower Mash

While the lentils simmer, grab a large pot and add your chopped cauliflower with just enough water to cover. Boil for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but not falling apart. Drain well and then blend it together with yogurt, milk, and melted butter – I use an immersion blender for ease, but a regular blender or food processor works too. The result is this silky, creamy mash that’s both light and indulgent. Stir in the Parmesan cheese at the end for that lovely cheesy depth. Season with salt to bring it all together.

Step 3: Build Your Flavorful Vegetable Base

In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, melt some butter over medium heat. Toss in diced celery and carrots and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Add chopped garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting those aromas fill your kitchen. Now’s the time to deglaze the pan with red wine or vegetable stock — this adds so much richness to the base. Stir in tomato paste, vegetarian Worcestershire, fresh or dried herbs, cayenne, and salt. Give it 3-4 minutes to cook down and develop those deep flavors that make this dish really sing.

Step 4: Mix in Frozen Veggies and Lentils

Next, add your frozen peas, corn, and pearl onions straight into the skillet – no need to thaw, they’ll warm through nicely. Cook for 2-3 minutes to bring everything together. Finally, stir in the cooked lentils and combine thoroughly. This mixture is your hearty, veggie-packed filling that’s ready to be topped with that gorgeous cauliflower mash.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the cauliflower mash evenly over the lentil and vegetable filling, spreading it out with a spoon. If you want to get fancy, use the back of a fork to create little patterns on top – I love doing this because it crisps up nicely. Pop the whole skillet into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown. For a darker crust, switch on the broiler for 2 or 3 minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook Lentils: Keeping lentils tender but intact gives your filling a great texture without turning mushy.
  • Cauliflower Mash Consistency: If your mash feels too thick, add a splash more milk or yogurt—it should be creamy but not runny.
  • Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: Saves you from extra dishes since you can cook and bake in the same pan.
  • Watch the Broiler: Browning the top is fantastic, but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn in seconds.

How to Serve Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe

A black cast-iron pan holds a layered dish with a top layer of creamy white mashed potatoes lightly browned and dotted with small green herb pieces. Underneath, the filling shows a mix of brown lentils, chopped orange carrots, yellow corn, and small pieces of white and green vegetables, creating a colorful contrast. A silver spoon is placed inside the pan, catching some of the filling. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl with a scoop of mashed potatoes and a small clear glass of red wine on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash, lentil shepherd’s pie, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, healthy shepherd’s pie, cauliflower mash recipes

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves on top before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors. A little extra shaved Parmesan or nutritional yeast works wonders, too, if you’re a cheese fan.

Side Dishes

This pie stands beautifully on its own, but I sometimes serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed green beans also make fabulous sidekick veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to prepare individual servings in small ramekins, topped with piped cauliflower mash for an elegant touch. It makes dinner feel a bit more festive and is a fun way to serve guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shepherd’s pie keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess. When reheated, the flavors have had a chance to meld even more—win-win!

Freezing

If you want to freeze this veggie shepherd’s pie, I recommend baking it first and then cooling completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers into a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to refresh that golden crust. You can also microwave smaller portions, but the oven does a better job preserving texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe vegan?

    Absolutely! Just swap out butter for vegan butter or olive oil, replace milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut yogurt, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It still tastes delicious and creamy!

  2. What’s the best way to cook the lentils for this shepherd’s pie?

    Simmer lentils gently in vegetable stock with a pinch of salt until tender but still holding their shape—typically about 20-25 minutes. Avoid boiling too harshly or cooking too long so they don’t turn mushy.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the filling and mash separately, then assemble and bake when ready. It’s great for meal prep or convenient weeknight dinners. Just store components in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

  4. What can I use if I don’t have vegetarian Worcestershire sauce?

    If you can’t find vegetarian Worcestershire, substitute with soy sauce or tamari mixed with a little apple cider vinegar and a pinch of molasses to mimic that tangy, umami flavor.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe has become such a staple in my family’s rotation because it manages to be comforting, nutritious, and full of vibrant flavors all at once. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some homemade soul food, this recipe is a winner you can rely on. Give it a try, tweak it to make it yours, and enjoy every cozy, delicious bite—your kitchen will thank you!

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Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash is a hearty and nutritious twist on the classic comfort food. Featuring a savory lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy cauliflower mash blended with yogurt, milk, and Parmesan cheese, it offers a delicious, wholesome meal perfect for meat-free diets. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, with an optional broil to crisp the top further.

Ingredients

Scale

Lentil and Vegetable Filling

  • 1 cup dried lentils, cooked
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup celery, diced (about 2–3 stalks)
  • 1 cup carrots, diced (about 2–3 medium-large carrots)
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 Tablespoons red wine or vegetable stock
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 Tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup frozen pearl onions
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cauliflower Mash Topping

  • 1 small head cauliflower, chopped (4–5 cups)
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the shepherd’s pie.
  2. Cook Lentils: Prepare the dried lentils according to package instructions, typically by simmering 1 cup lentils in 3 cups of liquid such as vegetable stock with added salt. Drain and set aside once tender.
  3. Cook Cauliflower: In a large stock pot, add chopped cauliflower and enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside for mashing.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Heat butter in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced celery and carrots, cooking for 2 minutes. Add chopped garlic and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Deglaze and Add Seasonings: Pour in red wine or vegetable stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in tomato paste, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, parsley, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Add Frozen Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, corn, and pearl onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Then incorporate the cooked lentils and mix well.
  7. Prepare Cauliflower Mash: Combine cooked cauliflower, plain yogurt, whole milk, and melted butter. Use an immersion blender, blender, or food processor to blend until smooth and lump-free. Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese and adjust salt to taste.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Spread the cauliflower mash evenly over the lentil and vegetable mixture in the oven-safe skillet. Use the back of a spoon to create any desired patterns for crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Optional Broiling: For a darker, crispier top, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

  • If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a different oven-safe pan or a casserole dish will work well for baking.
  • Depending on the size and moisture content of your cauliflower, you may need to add extra liquid (milk or yogurt) to your mash to keep it moist before baking as it can dry out.
  • Use vegetarian-labeled Parmesan cheese if strictly adhering to a vegetarian diet to ensure no animal rennet is used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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