Description
Enjoy a comforting and savory Shepherd’s Pie Casserole made with smoky turkey bacon, vibrant mixed vegetables, and topped with creamy plant-based mashed potatoes. This easy, customizable recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and features plant-based ingredients for a fresh twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Mashed Potatoes (Plant-Based)
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Turkey Bacon: Chop onions, garlic, carrots, peas, and corn. In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet with the remaining fat, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the carrots, peas, and corn, cooking until vegetables are tender.
- Build the Flavored Filling: Return turkey bacon to the pan with vegetables. Stir in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), vegetable broth, fresh parsley, and thyme. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent over the mixture and stir well. Simmer gently until the filling thickens and flavors meld.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes (Plant-Based): Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with plant-based butter and plant-based milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie Casserole: Transfer the filling evenly into a baking dish. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes on top, spreading to cover the filling completely. Use a fork to create ridges on the surface for a golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned and the edges are bubbling. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for the creamiest plant-based mashed potatoes.
- Avoid overly watery filling to help the casserole hold its shape.
- Fresh parsley and thyme enhance the flavor better than dried herbs.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to set the filling for easier slicing.
- Optional toppings: plant-based shredded cheese or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6th of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Shepherd's Pie, turkey bacon, plant-based mashed potatoes, comfort food, casserole, gluten free, meal prep
