Description
Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a warm and satisfying dish combining savory plant-based meat, smoky turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and fluffy mashed potatoes. This comforting and hearty recipe layers rich textures and inviting aromas for a timeless family favorite that reheats well and can easily be customized.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup ground plant-based meat
- 4 slices smoky turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup warm plant-based milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Cook the smoky turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and browned. Remove bacon and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and peas until soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add ground plant-based meat and cook until browned, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), vegetable broth, fresh thyme, and fresh parsley. Let the mixture simmer gently until thickened, about 10 minutes. Add the cooked turkey bacon back in and mix in the natural gelling agent thoroughly to bind the filling.
- Make the creamy mashed potatoes: Boil the peeled and diced russet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well, then mash with plant-based butter and warm plant-based milk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until the potatoes are ultra-smooth and creamy, perfect for topping the pie.
- Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the savory filling evenly into a baking dish. Gently layer the creamy mashed potatoes over the filling, smoothing the surface with a spatula. For texture, create gentle ridges on top using a fork or spatula.
- Bake to perfection: Place the assembled shepherd’s pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Cook potatoes until just tender to avoid waterlogged mashed potatoes.
- Use homemade vegetable broth if possible for richer flavor.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent to ensure the filling slices cleanly.
- Allow the pie to rest 10 minutes after baking to lock in moisture and flavor.
- Add crushed chili flakes or extra fresh herbs at the end of cooking for a spicy punch if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie, Plant-Based, Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Comfort Food, Turkey Bacon, Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Natural gelling agent, Gluten Free