Nowadays, anything can be veganized. From French toast, to classic home-cooked meals like shepherd’s pie.
Traditional shepherd’s pie contains minced beef and layers of vegetables. In these easy vegan shepherd’s pie recipes, the umami base comes from plant-based products. The challenge here is to create a flavorful dish with straightforward ingredients that works as a main course for dinner or lunch and that’s not overly time-intensive.
From traditional recipes using lentils or mushrooms to more creative versions with sweet potatoes or cauliflower, there’s a vegan shepherd’s pie recipe here for everyone. Serve with a simple salad and bread for a complete meal.
1. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Simple Veganista
Simple Veganista always delivers incredible vegan recipes and this one is no exception.
Corn, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce give this shepherd’s pie filling a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. The topping contains creamy mashed potatoes, and the whole pie bakes until hot and bubbly.
This recipe is easy to make ahead of time, and it reheats well for leftovers. Serve with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
2. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Loving It Vegan
A vegetable mince sets this recipe apart. Mushrooms are minced in a food processor and combined with textured vegetable protein, maple syrup, and soy sauce. The filling is topped with mashed potatoes and then baked.
The fine texture of the chopped mushrooms combines with the other vegetables to create a filling that’s hearty and satisfying.
This recipe tastes like it takes longer to prepare than it does. It’s packed with nutrition, filled with fiber, and will have you going back for a second helping!
3. 1-Hour Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Minimalist Baker
Minimalist Baker is known in the vegan community for providing top-tier recipes. This recipe uses lentils to replace ground beef, plus a wide variety of vegetables, making it hearty and healthy. The topping consists of mashed potatoes for a classic shepherd’s pie texture and flavor.
The nutrition stats on this one are fantastic, with loads of fiber and a hefty amount of protein.
The herbal, earthy flavor of thyme makes this vegan shepherd’s pie stand out, and with just thirty minutes of hands-on prep time, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners.
4. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Tasty
Mushrooms replace the ground beef in this recipe and mix with onions, garlic, and carrots for a savory filling. The topping incorporates mashed potatoes, and the whole pie bakes until golden brown.
Vegetable broth and wine combine to create a rich gravy for this shepherd’s pie, and a sprinkle of vegan cheddar cheese makes it extra delicious.
This shepherd’s pie explodes with flavor, and it comes together in just 45 minutes. Serve with green beans or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
5. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by A Couple Cooks
Canned lentils and peas comprise the filling of this satisfying shepherd’s pie. They cook with garlic, carrots, and thyme, then combine with creamy mashed Yukon gold potatoes before baking in the oven.
Fennel seeds and french cut onions give a meaty texture and flavor to this dish, and it can be finished in an hour.
This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious, hearty pie. You do need to plan ahead a little, as the potatoes need to be boiled before mashing. Enjoy this delicious meal on a cold night with a tasty vegan dessert for a flavor sensation!
6. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Feasting at Home
Parsnips add some heft to the vegetable filling, and miso gives the broth some umami flavor. The topping contains mashed potatoes mixed with vegan sour cream.
You can add a fancy touch to this rustic meal by adding truffle oil to the potatoes.
This recipe is a decadent vegan shepherd’s pie. It takes a bit longer than others, with about 90 minutes of prep time, but it’s worth it for a special occasion dinner.
This vegan shepherd’s pie is an excellent option for fall dinners, and it’s easily customizable based on what vegetables you have on hand. Try other root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes instead of parsnips if desired.
7. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Jessica in the Kitchen
Garlic mashed potatoes bring a savory flavor to this shepherd’s pie. Cook the lentils ahead of time, combine them with the vegetables and other ingredients, and then assemble and bake.
Make your vegan butter to create an authentic flavor and texture for the topping.
This vegan shepherd’s pie is on the table in just over an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. It also reheats well to make it ahead of time and enjoy portions throughout the week.
8. Cheeseburger Shepherd’s Pie by Liv B
This recipe contains vegan beef (texturized vegetable protein) and vegan cheese (cashew-based). The flavors are non-traditional but delicious. The filling is topped with mashed potatoes and baked until hot and bubbly.
Coconut milk is generally used as a substitute for regular milk in recipes, and it lends a rich and creamy flavor to the mashed potatoes.
The flavors of shallots and coconut milk combine to create a cheesy sauce for this shepherd’s pie. Liv B. suggests serving it with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
9. The Best Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie by Rainbow Plant Life
A lentil and onion filling sits under mashed potatoes and cauliflower. Tomato paste, red wine, and soy sauce ramp up the flavors in this creative recipe.
The umami flavors in this shepherd’s pie are reminiscent of a classic dish without guilt. The smooth cauliflower helps to create a familiar texture and flavor. This recipe seems like it would pair perfectly with a glass of red wine on a cold winter night.
10. The Ultimate Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by From My Bowl
This recipe uses frozen vegetables and a lentil filling that you can make several days ahead. This option results in a convenient and satisfying shepherd’s pie that can be assembled and baked quickly.
Cremini mushrooms pack an intense, meaty flavor into this shepherd’s pie. The other vegetables in the filling complement the mushrooms perfectly.
11. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie With Whipped Sweet Potato by Simply Quinoa
The use of sweet potatoes and quinoa make this recipe hearty and nutritious. The sweet potatoes are mashed and used as the topping, while the quinoa cooks with carrots, lentils, and mushrooms for the filling.
Balsamic vinegar balances the richness of the sweet potatoes and quinoa, creating a well-balanced flavor profile perfect for fall meals.
Whether you’re searching for an easy dinner or a hearty meal to serve on special occasions, this vegan shepherd’s pie is a delicious option!
12. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Jamie Oliver
This elegant recipe employs freshly ground coriander, sun-dried tomatoes, and chickpeas in the filling. The topping contains mashed potatoes, and the whole pie finishes with a drizzle of olive oil and a layer of breadcrumbs before being baked in the oven.
Lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, and wine round out the flavors of this shepherd’s pie. The fresh herbs and vegetables provide a depth of sensory experience that will excite your taste buds.
This elaborate meal is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. The flavorful filling and crispy topping make it a show-stopping dish that will impress your guests.
13. Light Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Food by Maria
Prunes are the secret ingredient in this shepherd’s pie! They help create a light and fluffy filling that pairs well with the mashed sweet potato topping. Orange juice and maple syrup add complex flavors to the topping.
The whole recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight dinner option. This recipe makes a lot of food, so you’ll get to enjoy leftovers the next day.
Prunes contain vitamins and minerals, including potassium and B2. The potassium in this dish helps prevent muscle cramps, and the B2 will give you an energy boost.
14. French Onion Shepherd’s Pie by The First Mess
Caramelized onions add some prep time to this recipe, but they’re worth the effort! The onions cook with thyme and garlic, then combine with the lentils. The topping contains mashed potatoes mixed with cauliflower for extra richness.
Don’t be afraid to add lots of creamy vegan butter to this shepherd’s pie. The potatoes and cauliflower will absorb the fat, resulting in a light and fluffy topping.
This recipe goes best with a simple green salad. The acidity of the vinegar will help to cut through the richness of the shepherd’s pie.
15. Roasted Root Vegetable Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Frydae
Beets, squash, and parsnips are roasted in maple syrup and combined with onions and tempeh. The unique flavors of this shepherd’s pie will appeal to vegans and omnivores alike.
Adding cinnamon and sage to the sautee process gives this dish a warm and comforting flavor. It’s the perfect meal for a cold day!
16. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie With Jackfruit Ragu by Supergolden Bakes
Jackfruit is a versatile fruit that takes on the flavor of whatever it’s cooked with. In this recipe, it replaces meat in the filling. The jackfruit simmers with onions, garlic, and tomato paste. The filling is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and then baked.
Jackfruit is often used in vegan recipes because it’s high in fiber and protein. It’s also full of B vitamins, which help you maintain energy levels throughout the day. It’s easy to cook because it has a stringy texture similar to meat.
17. Vegan Haggis Shepherd’s Pie by Delishably
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep offal, onions, and oatmeal. This recipe substitutes mushrooms, lentils, and barley for the meat in traditional haggis, resulting in a lower fat option that can satisfy vegans and omnivores alike.
Cranberry sauce pairs well with this shepherd’s pie. The sauce’s sweetness helps to offset the savory flavors of the haggis filling.
Alternating mashed potato and mashed rutabaga layers give this shepherd’s pie a great texture and flavor.
18. Best Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Veggie Society
The mashed potatoes are made with cashew milk and olive oil in this recipe, making them extra creamy. The filling contains mushrooms, carrots, and peas.
The addition of red wine, paprika, and cloves gives the filling a rich and savory flavor. Add plenty of chili powder to the mashed potatoes for a spicy kick.
On its own, this pie is a delicious well-balanced meal but it also works well with a side of green beans or a light green salad.
19. Vegan Shepherdess Pie by Brand New Vegan
This recipe contains cauliflower taco crumbles, making it an excellent option for those who are avoiding soy. The taco crumbles cook with onions, garlic, and seasonings. The filling is topped with mashed potatoes and baked.
The cauliflower taco meat contains minced cauliflower, mushrooms, and walnuts. Add soy sauce and spices before baking. Voila! Delicious, crumbly meat substitute useful for many recipes.
Canned green chiles add a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the creamy potatoes.
20. Easy Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Well + Good
If you’re searching for easy vegan shepherd’s pie recipes then this is the one for you!
Vegan parmesan is an exciting addition to the topping in this recipe, and it contains cashews, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder. The filling is a mixture of mashed sweet potato, cauliflower, and lentils.
The antioxidant content in this dish is off the charts. Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which helps protect your eyesight. The cauliflower is rich in vitamin C. Lentils are full of fiber and protein.
If you have leftovers, put them in a container to store in the fridge. The mashed vegetables should last for up to four days when stored properly.
This pie is a hearty and filling dish that will leave you feeling satisfied!
21. Shepherd’s Pie by Consciously Vegan
The filling for this recipe is a mixture of vegan beef and frozen vegetables that you can make ahead of time. This option makes it easy to put together when you’re short on time. The topping contains a combination of potatoes and vegan cheese that is rich and flavorful.
Corn is a welcome addition that adds sweetness and crunch to this dish. Try using a vegan sour cream to create a thick and creamy topping that perfectly complements the savory filling.
22. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Food Explora
This shepherd’s pie is unique because it uses plantains. The plantains give this recipe a sweet twist, and they’re fried and layered under a Beyond meat and vegetable mixture. Yum! The topping contains whipped sweet potatoes seasoned with nutmeg and sage.
Ripe plantains contain more sugar, so look for black skins when selecting the fruit.
Cassava root completes the topping for a hit of flavor and even more health benefits. It’s packed full of potassium and calcium, making it a great food for bones and teeth.
23. Hearty Vegan Shepherd’s Pie by Yummly
The chipotle sauce gives this shepherd’s pie a smoky flavor. It’s combined with green lentils and mushrooms. The filling is then topped with potatoes and cooked for about an hour.
Green lentils take longer to cook than brown lentils due to a tougher exterior. Brown lentils are good for mashing, while green lentils hold their original form.
Green lentils have a spicy aftertaste, so they work well in this recipe!
Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat to the dish, while nutritional yeast (also called nooch) gives it a cheesy flavor.
This pie is a spicy preparation, so cut back on the chili ingredients if you’re sensitive to spice.
24. Shepherd’s Pie by Collective Kitchen
Soy protein makes up the filling of this recipe, and it’s combined with frozen vegetables, thyme, and coconut sugar for a balanced flavor. The topping is parsley and chive mashed potatoes.
Paprika gives this dish a smoky taste without any meat. If you’re not a fan of paprika, try using ground cumin as an alternative. Curry powder complements the tomato elements well.
25. Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie by Two Market Girls
Mushrooms and tempeh make up the filling of this vegan shepherd’s pie. The topping is a creamy layer of vegan sour cream mashed potatoes seasoned with nutritional yeast and garlic.
Tempeh is made from soybeans and is firmer than tofu. Tofu comes from soy milk, while tempeh comes from whole soybeans
Tempeh is a perfect substitute for meat because it mimics the texture and flavor. It’s also a great source of protein, which makes this recipe a balanced meal!
Easy Vegan Shepherd’s Pie Recipes, Final Thoughts
There’s no shortage of delicious and easy vegan shepherd’s pie recipes on the web, so you’ll find one that appeals to your tastes. Whether you prefer a creamy or crispy topping, sweet or savory filling, there’s a recipe out there for you!
Even the omnivores you know will be surprised by how flavorful and hearty these plant-based pies can be. You could be impressed by how much you enjoy it. Get cooking and enjoy a delicious vegan shepherd’s pie!