• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
simply ceecee
  • home
  • recipes
  • About
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • SHOP!
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • RECIPES
  • START HERE!
  • ABOUT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Vegan Dinner Ideas

    Easy Vegan Shepherd's Pie

    Published: Nov 19, 2022 · Modified: Mar 13, 2025 · by Tracy Halasz · 3 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Individual Shepherd's Pie with crispy mashed potatoes piped on top.

    This savory Vegan Shepherd's Pie recipe is super easy to make, hearty, and has BIG flavor. You're going to love the delicious combination of melt-in-your-mouth, spicy mince topped with crispy, garlic mashed potatoes. A comforting and satisfying vegan main dish that's guaranteed to become a new family favorite on St. Patrick's Day or any other day too!

    Baked veggie Shepherd's Pie casserole.

    When I saw Gordon Ramsay, making his classic Shepherd's pie, I just knew I had to create a vegan version. He says, "the secret to a great Shepherd's pie is all in the mince". So I kept the flavors and textures as close to his Shepherd's pie recipe as possible without meat or eggs. The meaty mince filling is a combination of vegan ground beef, traditional seasonings, vegetables, and red wine. Then it's topped with a crown of garlic mashed potatoes (freshly made or leftovers!). It's classic vegan comfort food - rustic, hearty, and satisfying - gluten free to boot!

    Table of Contents show
    1 Here's What You'll Need
    2 How to Make Shepherd's Pie Vegan
    3 Variations & Substitutions
    4 Make Ahead, Storing & Reheating
    5 What to Serve with Vegan Shepherd's Pie
    6 More Vegan Dinner Ideas
    7 Easy Vegan Shepherd's Pie (gf)
    7.1 INGREDIENTS
    7.1.1 Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    7.1.2 Vegan Mince using Beyond Meat
    7.2 INSTRUCTIONS
    7.2.1 GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
    7.2.2 VEGETABLE MINCE FILLING
    7.2.3 To Assemble
    7.3 NOTES

    Here's What You'll Need

    Ingredients for shepherds pie in individual dishes on a marble counter.

    To make this simple vegan casserole, you'll need just a handful of ingredients: olive oil, carrots, onions, garlic, vegan meat (I used Beyond meat), vegan mashed potatoes, vegan heavy cream, tomato paste, vegan worcestershire sauce, red wine, veggie broth, dry oregano, fresh thyme, salt & pepper, red pepper flakes, and vegan parmesan cheese.

    How to Make Shepherd's Pie Vegan

    As I mentioned, this meatless shepherd's pie is very simple to make - only 3 steps! Let's get into the details including my TIPS for managing your timing (full directions in the recipe card):

    1. Vegetable stock - mix up veggie stock (I use Better Than Bouillon).
    2. Prepare vegetables - peel and cut the potatoes and garlic cloves; grate the carrots and onions. Pro Tip: grating the carrots and onions helps to thicken the sauce but the veggies kind of meld into the sauce. For more texture, dice the veggies instead.
    3. Gather ingredients - gather all spices, wine, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste and set near stove.
    4. Preheat oven - 350º F
    Potatoes being mashed into a pot. Potatoes being riced into a bowl.
    1. Make mashed potatoes - get the potatoes cooking. Once ready, mash or rice the potatoes with the vegan butter, dairy-free heavy cream, and seasoning. For loads of expert tips on making perfect mashed potatoes, check out my vegan mashed potatoes post.
    A series of 4 photos showing step by step instructions for making Shepherd's pie.
    1. Start the mince filling - start by browning the veggies until they begin to take on some color (5-6 minutes). Then add the vegan ground meat, stirring and breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt and pepper.
      Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, red wine, fresh thyme leaves, dry oregano, and red pepper flakes stirring to incorporate. Once the wine has cooked down, add the broth - simmer for 5 minutes and remove from heat. If adding peas, stir them in now.
      Pro Tip: For a saucier stew/mince, add more broth or remove from heat sooner.
    Shepherd's pie with mounds of mashed potatoes on top.
    Shepherd's pie in Dutch oven covered with mashed potatoes on top.
    1. Assemble - if using a separate dish, transfer the mince to the prepared dish(es), then pipe or spread the mashed potatoes over the top. Create as many edges as possible (for maximum crispiness) by swirling the potatoes with the back of a spoon or dragging a fork across the top to create ridges. Adds dots of butter for extra decadence (optional).
    2. Bake - until golden and the sauce is bubbling up the sides (~18-20 minutes). I broil for the last few minutes for extra color.
    3. Serve - serve Shepherd's pie with a rainbow salad, a side of steamed peas or broccoli, and some crusty overnight bread.
    Baked Shepherd's Pie topped with mashed potatoes and fresh thyme.

    Variations & Substitutions

    Put your own spin on this recipe by making the gravy thicker or thinner, doubling up the mince, adding extra veggies or some heat. Here's a few ideas for customizing:

    • Vary the vegetables: Stir peas, carrots, corn or thinly sliced beans (fresh or frozen) into the mince for extra servings of veggies and texture.
    • Potatoes: I've heard it said that Shepherd's pie (and cottage pie) originated from British and Irish cooks getting creative with leftovers (my kind of people!). So use up those leftover mashed potatoes in this recipe (just be sure to bring them to room temperature first so they are easy to spread).
    • Worcestershire sub: In a pinch use tamari or soy sauce in place of gluten free Worcestershire sauce.
    • Red wine option: Sub in Guinness stout or use extra veggie broth if you prefer.
    • Make it cheesy: Top the veggie Shepherd's pie with grated vegan parmesan cheese or another shredded dairy-free cheese.
    • Individual servings: For a special treat, serve Shepherd's pie in individual pots (extra fancy for holiday dinners or to impress guests). Grease with butter or spray the ramekins before filling to prevent sticking.
    • MILLION DOLLAR TIP - texture: My advice about texture for any recipe is to include a variety of textures for the most delicious results. For this recipe, the potatoes should be soft, but not sloppy because the stew/mince also leans toward soft. I like to make the potatoes fluffy and buttery, but not too soft (definitely not whipped) with a crunchy crust. Play around and put your own fingerprints on this recipe. Enjoy!
    Ramekins filled with Shepherd's pie topped a piped edge of mashed potatoes.

    Make Ahead, Storing & Reheating

    Make ahead: To get ahead, make the Shepherd's pie components the day before your big holiday dinner. Store in separate containers covered in the fridge. When ready, assemble (while the oven is preheating), bake, and enjoy!

    Storing: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 or 4 days.

    Freezing and reheating: Freeze leftovers in individual size portions for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or lunch. Let the Shepherd's pie thaw, then warm in a 350º F oven or in the microwave until heated through.

    What to Serve with Vegan Shepherd's Pie

    Whether you're serving this vegan shepherd's pie at a St. Patrick's Day feast or for a meatless weeknight meal, here's a few side dishes you might enjoy too:

    • steamed veggies: we like peas, carrots or broccoli
    • side salad: rainbow salad with light vinaigrette or vegan coleslaw
    • crusty bread: no knead overnight bread or Irish soda bread
    • more bread: soft fluffy, vegan dinner rolls or vegan breadsticks
    • vegan St. Patrick's Day feast: serve with potato leek pancakes, vegan corned beef and cabbage, vegan Irish stew
    Casserole dish of veggie Shepherd's pie topped with mashed potatoes and fresh thyme.

    More Vegan Dinner Ideas

    More ideas for Meatless Mondays or any vegan weeknight meal:

    • Easy Vegan Chili (it's the best!)
    • Vegan Mushroom Pasta (so easy, so creamy)
    • Easy Mushroom Chickpea Bake (dump and bake)
    • Easy Tofu Pasta (Italian crusted tofu)

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to see it!
    Please let me know in the comments. Thank you so much for sharing!
    Tag me on Instagram 
    NEVER MISS A RECIPE: Sign up for my email NEWSLETTER!

    Ramekins filled with Shepherd's pie topped a piped edge of mashed potatoes.

    Easy Vegan Shepherd's Pie (gf)

    This easy Vegan Shepherd's pie is a layer of hearty vegan mince topped with fluffy, garlic mashed potatoes baked to crispy golden perfection. An incredible vegan version of Gordon Ramsay's classic British Shepherd's pie recipe. Super flavorful, thick, rich, and oh so satisfying. Gluten free to boot!
    Author : Tracy Halasz
    Servings:6 servings

    Rate this recipe!

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins

    INGREDIENTS

    Vegan Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    • 5-6 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
    • 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
    • 2-4 tablespoons vegan butter
    • ¼ cup vegan heavy cream (or plant-based milk)
    • S&P
    • 2 tablespoons vegan parmesan cheese or grated cheese

    Vegan Mince using Beyond Meat

    • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 small onion, grated or diced
    • 1 cup carrots, grated
    • 2-3 cloves garlic, grated or minced
    • 4 patties Beyond meat, thawed
    • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce (vegan)
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • ½ cup red wine
    • 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme
    • 1 ½ teaspoons oregano, dry leaves
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 cup vegetable broth
    • fresh herbs (parsley, thyme), chopped

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Preheat oven to 350º F  
    • Prepare 6 ramekin cups by greasing sides and bottom (if using).

    GARLIC MASHED POTATOES 

    • Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Place the potatoes, garlic cloves, and salt into a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil then cook until fork tender (around 12-15 minutes depending on how big your cubes are).
    • Drain, mash or rice the potatoes into the pot. Add in 2-4 tablespoons butter and a few tablespoons of vegan heavy cream/milk and mash/mix to desired consistency adding more milk/butter as desired. Season to taste.

    VEGETABLE MINCE FILLING  

    • Heat oil in a Dutch oven or oven proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add grated onions and carrots cooking for 5-6 minutes while the vegetables soften, become fragrant and change color.
    • Stir in the garlic and vegan meat* breaking up and cooking till browned and cooked through. *I used Beyond meat patties but you could sub for your favorite veggie mince (see notes).
    • Add the vegan Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, red wine, fresh thyme leaves, (chopped fresh rosemary if using), dry oregano, and red pepper flakes stirring to incorporate.  
    • Once the red wine has evaporated, add the veggie broth. Cook for 4 or 5 minutes, then turn the heat off. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

    To Assemble

    • Spread or pipe the mashed potatoes on top of the mince filling. Swirl the potatoes with the back of a spoon or drag a fork across the top to make ridges to get golden. Dot the tops with dairy-free butter or grated parmesan cheese for extra crispiness.
    • For individual servings: divide the mince filling evenly among 4-6 ramekins/pots (depending on size). Top with a scoop of potatoes and a few dabs of butter. Place on baking sheet before going into the oven.
    • Bake, uncovered, for 18-20 minutes until the potatoes are golden and the sauce is bubbling up around the sides. I like to broil for the last few minutes for extra golden tops.
    • Sprinkle with fresh thyme/parsley and hot pepper flakes. 
      Serve with a leafy green salad and a side of steamed peas or broccoli.

    NOTES

    Vegetable Broth - I like the flavor of Better than Bouillon organic vegetable broth or No Beef base.
    Grating the Veggies - grating the carrots and onions helps to thicken the mince filling while also adding flavor. If you want more texture, dice the veggies instead.
    Vegan Worcestershire Sauce - use store bought (check the label) or make this easy gluten free, vegan worcestershire sauce recipe.
    Leftovers and Reheating - store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF or in the microwave until heated through.
    Red Wine - sub in Guinness Ale or more veggie broth for red wine if preferred.
    Vegan Meat Options - I use Beyond Meat patties as I like the extra flavor they added but you could sub for Impossible meat crumble or your favorite veggie mince, mushrooms or lentils.
    Where to find Beyond Meat - look for it fresh or frozen at the grocery store.

    This recipe is from simplyceecee.co food blog. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images or republish this recipe without prior permission. Thank you.

    Tried this recipe? Tag me!Mention @ceeceecooks or tag #ceeceecooks

    originally posted January 2019, updated November 2022

    More Vegan Dinner Ideas

    • Easy Vegan Gyros
    • Toasted bun stuffed with a thick layer of thinly sliced BBQ tofu and creamy vegan coleslaw.
      Easy BBQ Tofu Sandwich
    • Sweet potato stuffed with black beans avocado and tomatoes on a baking sheet.
      Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (vegan + gf)
    • Vegan Tofu Sausage crumbles on a baking sheet.
      Crispy Vegan Sausage Crumbles (tofu)
    226 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Debbie

      November 20, 2022 at 1:12 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious. This vegan shepherd's pie is one of my favorites. The garlic mashed potatoes are to die for. It is comfort food at its best. Thank you for this meatless recipe.

      Reply
    2. Claire

      February 03, 2020 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      Easy. quick and delicious! I used beyond meat. Even my carnivores loved it!

      Reply
      • simplyceecee

        February 03, 2020 at 1:10 pm

        Claire, thank you! I'm so happy your whole family loved the recipe!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Picture of Ceecee Cooks.

    Hi, I’m Tracy! Welcome to Simply Ceecee where I share really delicious vegan recipes that EVERYONE loves! Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, I'm excited to help you cook tasty plant based recipes with tons of flavor and epic texture! ✌🏻🌱

    More about me →

    Subscribe
    Sign up with your email address to receive new vegan recipes!
    Thank you for subscribing!

    Top Posts

    • Loaf of vegan Irish soda bread with raisins.
      Vegan Irish Soda Bread (it's easy!)
    • Proofing pan with 6 pizza dough balls.
      Homemade Vegan Pizza Dough
    • Stone ground cornbread in a cast iron pan topped with jalapenos and whipped butter.
      Ultimate Vegan Cornbread Recipe
    • Twisted garlic butter breadsticks with fresh Italian herbs.
      Easy Homemade Breadsticks (vegan)
    • Freshly baked rustic bread surrounded by baking paper in a Dutch oven.
      Simplest No-Knead Overnight Bread
    • Freshly baked golden brown dinner rolls.
      Easiest Vegan Dinner Rolls (2 ways)

    Big Pan Meals (chili, soup)

    • Bowl of vegetable bean soup with homemade buns.
      Hearty Vegetable Bean Soup
    • Vegetarian Lentil Bolognese simmering in a Dutch oven on the stove.
      20 Popular Vegan Recipes for Fall & Winter
    • Bowlful of crunchy croutons spilling over onto white countertop.
      Crispy Air Fryer Croutons (easy!)
    • Bowl of tomato soup topped with croutons and fresh basil.
      Ultimate Vegan Tomato Soup (easy + gf)
    • Bowl filled with lentil bolognese toss in pasta.
      Easy Lentil Bolognese (vegan + gf)
    • Ramekins filled with Shepherd's pie topped a piped edge of mashed potatoes.
      Easy Vegan Shepherd's Pie

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for our Sunday morning Newsletter!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Simply CeeCee

    226 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.