Vegan Lentil & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s

This is cozy comfort food you can feel good about.

It’s warm, hearty, and full of flavor — but totally plant-based.

The lentils and sweet potatoes make it filling, while the spices and veggies give it that classic shepherd’s pie flavor.

It’s a great make-ahead dish too.

What You’ll Need

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 cup green or brown lentils (dry), rinsed
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons unsweetened plant milk (like almond or oat)
1 tablespoon vegan butter

Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes that came from cleaning out the fridge one winter, and it ended up becoming a regular. It’s simple to make, totally satisfying, and perfect when you want something cozy without feeling too heavy.

It’s budget-friendly
Packs in a lot of fiber and plant protein
Easy to customize with whatever veggies you have
Feels like comfort food, tastes like home

Servings: 4 to 6
Total Time: 50 minutes

Tools You’ll Need

Medium pot
Large skillet
Potato masher
Wooden spoon
Knife + cutting board
Measuring cups + spoons
Round ceramic baking dish or round bowl for serving

Substitutions and Variations

Use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes
Add mushrooms for more umami flavor
Use canned lentils (reduce broth to 1 cup and simmer for 10 min only)
Swap peas with chopped spinach or corn

Make Ahead Tips

Make the filling and mash up to 2 days ahead
Store separately and assemble before baking
Freezes well in individual portions

Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Add 2 large peeled and chopped sweet potatoes to a pot of water. Boil for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Lentils and Broth

Pour in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 cup rinsed lentils, and 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.

Step 5: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with 2 tablespoons plant milk and 1 tablespoon vegan butter. Add a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 6: Add Frozen Peas to Filling

Stir 1/2 cup frozen peas into the lentil mixture. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble the Pie

Spoon the lentil mixture into a round baking dish or serving bowl. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes on top. Use a fork to create swirls.

Step 8: Bake or Broil

Pop it under the broiler for 5 minutes, just to brown the top a bit.

Leftovers & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in the microwave or oven
Can be frozen for up to 2 months (freeze in single portions for easy lunches)

Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Lentils soak up flavor as they cook — using broth + spices locks in taste
Tomato paste adds richness without needing meat
Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and creamy texture without dairy
Peas add pop and freshness right at the end

Common Mistakes

Undercooking the lentils: Make sure they’re soft, not crunchy
Skipping the tomato paste: Adds richness that balances the dish
Using canned sweet potatoes: Won’t have the same texture or flavor
Forgetting to season the mash: That little butter + plant milk matters

What to Serve With

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
Crusty sourdough or garlic bread

FAQ

Can I use canned lentils?
Yes! Just use 2 cups and reduce the broth to 1 cup. Simmer for only 10 minutes.

Can I freeze this?
Yep. Cool completely, then freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the pie, cover, and chill. Broil or bake right before serving.

Is it spicy?
Nope, just smoky and savory. Add chili flakes if you want heat.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Lentil & Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is the kind of meal that warms you up inside. It’s full of good stuff, super comforting, and simple enough to make on a weeknight. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think — drop a comment with your twist or any questions!