Description
Shepherd’s Pie with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is a warm, comforting dish featuring a savory smoked turkey bacon and ground beef or plant-based mince filling, topped with ultra-smooth plant-based mashed potatoes. This classic meal is elevated with smoky flavors, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, dreamy mash, perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 lb ground beef or plant-based mince
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter
- 1/2 cup warm plant-based milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (natural)
To Finish
- Chopped smoked turkey bacon for topping
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large pan over medium heat until crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add diced carrots and peas, cook until softened slightly. Add ground beef or plant-based mince and brown evenly. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Mix well and sprinkle in the natural gelling agent to thicken gently. Combine thoroughly and remove from heat.
- Make the creamy mashed potatoes: Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Mash potatoes with plant-based butter and warm plant-based milk until silky and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional: add garlic powder or nutritional yeast (natural) for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer the filling into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes on top, spreading gently and using a fork or spoon to create gentle peaks for a golden crust. Crumble the crispy smoked turkey bacon on top and press lightly into the mash.
- Bake until golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled pie for 25-30 minutes, until the mashed potato topping is golden and slightly crisp at the edges. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Gold for the best mash texture.
- Let the shepherd’s pie rest for a few minutes after baking to prevent watery filling.
- Cook the bacon first to render fat and add flavor to the base.
- Season mashed potatoes well with salt, pepper, and plant-based butter.
- Use the natural gelling agent sparingly to keep the filling moist but thick enough to hold its shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie, mashed potatoes, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based, comfort food, gluten free, savory pie, creamy mashed potatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent