Herby Lentil and Beef Shepherd's Pie is a tasty and healthy twist on the classic comfort food. By adding lentils, this recipe includes more vegetables and boosts the meal's protein and fiber content, making it balanced and nutritious. Lentils also add more iron, folate, and antioxidants, all contributing to overall health.
Including more plant-based foods like lentils in your diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It can also help lower cholesterol levels and improve gut health.
This Shepherd's Pie shows how a traditional recipe can be adapted to include more plant-based ingredients without losing flavor or comfort. The mix of savory beef, hearty lentils, aromatic herbs, and creamy mashed potatoes makes a satisfying dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or simply enjoy a hearty meal, this shepherd’s pie is a great choice.
Want to add more plant foods into your diet? Our dietitians can help you find creative and delicious ways to include more plant-based ingredients in your diet while ensuring balanced nutrient intake. Book a discovery call today to find out more!
Peel potatoes (this is optional). Cut potatoes into cubes.
Add potatoes into a large pot with enough water to fully submerge them. Bring the water to a low boil, salt and let cook until the potatoes are tender enough to easily break through with a fork (about 10-15 minutes)
Using a colander, drain the potatoes before placing them back into the pot and mashing using a masher or large fork. During the mashing, add unsalted butter, milk, salt and pepper and combine well. Add more milk if needed to get desired texture.
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Add olive oil to a large pan placed over large heat. After 2-3 minutes, add garlic and onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned and caramelised.
Add ground beef to the pan and break it apart using a wooden spoon before adding in thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt and pepper. Let cook for around 8 minutes or until the meat has browned.
Once the meat has been cooked, add in the lentils, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, beef or vegetable stock, flour and mixed vegetables and bring to a light boil, allowing it to simmer and thicken for about 3 minutes.
Assemble the dish, placing the beef and lentil mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 pan or large cast iron skillet before layering with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if desired.
Bake for 25 minutes. Set the oven to broil and allow cheese to brown for 2-3 minutes or until bubbly and brown.
Recipe developed by Emma King. Forward written by Joelle Davidson, RD.
Ingredients
Directions
Peel potatoes (this is optional). Cut potatoes into cubes.
Add potatoes into a large pot with enough water to fully submerge them. Bring the water to a low boil, salt and let cook until the potatoes are tender enough to easily break through with a fork (about 10-15 minutes)
Using a colander, drain the potatoes before placing them back into the pot and mashing using a masher or large fork. During the mashing, add unsalted butter, milk, salt and pepper and combine well. Add more milk if needed to get desired texture.
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Add olive oil to a large pan placed over large heat. After 2-3 minutes, add garlic and onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned and caramelised.
Add ground beef to the pan and break it apart using a wooden spoon before adding in thyme, parsley, rosemary, salt and pepper. Let cook for around 8 minutes or until the meat has browned.
Once the meat has been cooked, add in the lentils, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, beef or vegetable stock, flour and mixed vegetables and bring to a light boil, allowing it to simmer and thicken for about 3 minutes.
Assemble the dish, placing the beef and lentil mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 pan or large cast iron skillet before layering with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if desired.
Bake for 25 minutes. Set the oven to broil and allow cheese to brown for 2-3 minutes or until bubbly and brown.
