Shepherds pie is traditionally meat, vegetables and gravy with a mashed potato topping. Even more traditionally, the meat in a shepherd's pie should be lamb (cottage pie is the same thing with beef), but the names have become interchangeable and pretty ubiquitous over the years.
The awesome thing about this lovely dish? You can take out the meat and still have a fabulous savory, hearty dish that the whole family will love. You could serve any of these vegetarian/vegan dishes to the most committed meat lover and we're pretty sure they'll ask for seconds!
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1. Vegetarian shepherd's pie (h/t Laura in the Kitchen)
This is a great video tutorial on how to produce a really awesome vegetarian shepherd's pie! The flavors are authentic, rich and herby, but check that your Worcestershire sauce doesn't contain any anchovies if you're serving to vegetarians!
This is a great video tutorial on how to produce a really awesome vegetarian shepherd's pie! The flavors are authentic, rich and herby, but check that your Worcestershire sauce doesn't contain any anchovies if you're serving to vegetarians!
2. Vegan shepherd's pie (h/t Minimalist Baker)
This easy version is packed with flavor...the lentils take on the 'job' of the meat so well and become beautifully infused with herby, savory goodness. Delicious for a midweek warmer!
This easy version is packed with flavor...the lentils take on the 'job' of the meat so well and become beautifully infused with herby, savory goodness. Delicious for a midweek warmer!
3. Wild mushroom and caramelized onion shepherd's pies (h/t Vegetarian Times)
This elegantly layered and delectable version of vegetarian shepherd's pie would make an amazing dinner party main course. The caramelized onion, wild mushroom and cheeses make this a fabulous treat for a special occasion.
This elegantly layered and delectable version of vegetarian shepherd's pie would make an amazing dinner party main course. The caramelized onion, wild mushroom and cheeses make this a fabulous treat for a special occasion.
4. Vegetarian shepherd's pie (h/t Pinch of Yum)
So savory, so good! This hearty recipe is absolutely delicious. The tip to deglaze the pan with red wine and the creamy, tangy Greek yoghurt in the potatoes both add sensational flavor to a fabulous dish.
So savory, so good! This hearty recipe is absolutely delicious. The tip to deglaze the pan with red wine and the creamy, tangy Greek yoghurt in the potatoes both add sensational flavor to a fabulous dish.
5. Mini vegetarian shepherd's pies (h/t Bev Cooks)
Ring the changes by baking your vegetarian shepherd's pie in cute individual dishes and making them...erm...purple? Seriously, do it! If you can get hold of these amazing purple potatoes then try it, but regular potatoes will work just as well! Again, check that your Worcestershire sauce is veggie-friendly!
Ring the changes by baking your vegetarian shepherd's pie in cute individual dishes and making them...erm...purple? Seriously, do it! If you can get hold of these amazing purple potatoes then try it, but regular potatoes will work just as well! Again, check that your Worcestershire sauce is veggie-friendly!
6. Vegan shepherd's pie with mock mashed potato topping (h/t Pickles & Honey)
When is mashed potato not mashed potato? When it's made with cauliflower and cannellini beans! This delicious recipe works brilliantly and will really take unsuspecting friends and family by surprise!
When is mashed potato not mashed potato? When it's made with cauliflower and cannellini beans! This delicious recipe works brilliantly and will really take unsuspecting friends and family by surprise!
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7. Vegan shepherd's pie with green peas and TVP (h/t The Spruce)
Sometimes, a protein-based meat substitute is what's needed, and this recipe does it so well. All the right flavors are there (sweetcorn is awesome in shepherd's pie) and we bet meat-eaters won't even be able to tell the difference!
Sometimes, a protein-based meat substitute is what's needed, and this recipe does it so well. All the right flavors are there (sweetcorn is awesome in shepherd's pie) and we bet meat-eaters won't even be able to tell the difference!