Beef And Lentil Shepherds Pie

Name: Beef And Lentil Shepherds Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup milk; 4 tablespoons butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Table Favorites

I absolutely love making Beef and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, especially when the cravings for comfort food strike. The combination of savory beef and hearty lentils creates a filling meal that warms my heart. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, every bite delivers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish is always a hit. I particularly enjoy how the lentils lend a unique depth to the filling, making it a little more nutritious while still satisfying my cravings for something hearty.

Created by

Georgia Lane

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:17:35.856Z

When I decided to experiment with a classic Shepherd's Pie recipe, I wanted to make it a bit healthier yet still delicious. That's when I incorporated lentils alongside the beef, providing a unique texture and a boost of nutrients. The combination not only enhances the flavors but also adds fiber and protein, making it a well-rounded meal.

One tip I learned while making this pie is to use a mix of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes for the topping. This not only brightens the dish's color but also introduces a subtle sweetness that complements the savory filling beautifully. My family absolutely loves it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Savory depth from the combination of beef and lentils
Creamy mashed potato topping that adds comfort to every bite
Nutritious alternative to traditional Shepherd's Pie that's still satisfying

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Lentils

Cooking lentils to the right texture is crucial for a great filling. You want the lentils to be tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them as they simmer in the beef broth. Start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark, and continue cooking until they have a slight bite. If you're using older lentils, they may require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly. Also, if you want a deeper flavor, consider sautéing them briefly in olive oil before boiling.

For added complexity, consider adding herbs or spices to the cooking liquid. A bay leaf or a sprig of thyme can elevate the overall flavor profile of your lentils without much extra effort. Just remember to remove any whole herbs before combining with the meat filling.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are fantastic for mashed potatoes due to their starchy texture, which creates a fluffy finish. When cubing your potatoes, aim for evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly. A good rule of thumb is to cut them into 1-inch cubes; this allows for consistent cooking in about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the Russets with Yukon Gold potatoes, which inherently provide a buttery quality.

Be careful not to over-boil the potatoes. You want them fork-tender, which typically means boiling them until a fork can easily pierce through without falling apart. If they start to fall apart, drain immediately to avoid watery mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delicious Beef and Lentil Shepherd's Pie.

For the Filling

1 lb ground beef
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Mashed Potatoes

4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
Salt to taste

Now that you have everything ready, let's get cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a hearty Beef and Lentil Shepherd's Pie.

Cook the Lentils

In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and 3 cups of beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 20 minutes or until tender.

Prepare the Meat Filling

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic and ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned.

Combine Filling Ingredients

Once the beef is cooked through, drain excess fat. Add cooked lentils, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

Meanwhile, boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash, then stir in butter, milk, and salt to taste until smooth.

Assemble the Pie

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the beef and lentil mixture in a baking dish, topping it with the creamy mashed potatoes. Use a fork to create some texture on the surface.

Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your hearty Beef and Lentil Shepherd's Pie with a side salad or your favorite vegetables!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a hint of red pepper flakes to the meat filling. You can also make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it
it tastes even better the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Beef and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad balances beautifully with the hearty nature of the pie. Consider topping the salad with nuts or feta for added flavor and texture.

For a cozy family dinner, feel free to serve slices of the shepherd’s pie alongside warm, crusty bread. It makes for an inviting, rustic meal that enhances the comfort food experience. Leftover shepherd's pie can also be served with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is a perfect candidate for meal prep. You can cook the filling and the mashed potatoes a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble and bake the pie, simply combine them in a baking dish. This will save you time, especially on busy weeknights while still allowing you to serve a homemade meal.

If you're looking to store leftovers, the pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover it with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—just ensure to cool it completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be good alternatives.

→ How do I make this dish vegetarian?

You can omit the beef and double the lentils and toss in some mushrooms for extra flavor.

→ Can this recipe be frozen?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

→ How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

Adding cream cheese or sour cream to the potatoes can enhance their creaminess.