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Herby Lentil and Beef Shepherd’s Pie

Yields8 Servings

This Herby Lentil and Beef Shepherd’s Pie is a healthier take on the classic, mixing lentils with ground beef for extra protein and fiber. With savory herbs, hearty lentils, and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a comforting and nutritious meal.

A close-up image of a freshly baked Herby Lentil and Beef Shepherd's Pie with golden, crispy mashed potato topping, garnished with melted cheddar cheese, served on a white plate.

Ingredients
For the potato layer
 3 lbs Russett Potatoes
 3 tbsp unsalted butter
 2 tbsp milk of choice
 0.33 tsp salt
 0.25 tsp ground Black pepper
For the bottom layer
 2 tbsp olive oil
 1 cup diced yellow onion
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 lb ground beef
 1 tsp dried thyme
 2 tsp dried parsley
 1 tsp dried rosemary
 1 cup canned brown or green lentils
 2 tbsp tomato paste
 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
 2 tbsp all purpose flour
 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
 0.50 cup cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
1

Peel potatoes (this is optional). Cut potatoes into cubes.

2

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)

3

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.

4

Preheat the oven to 400F.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

Bake for 25 minutes. Set the oven to broil and allow cheese to brown for 2-3 minutes or until bubbly and brown.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size