Vegetarian Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie with Cheesy Mashed Potato Topping

This vegetarian shepherd’s pie delivers all the cozy, homey goodness of the classic, but with a savory mushroom and herb filling instead of meat. Meaty mushrooms are simmered with carrots, onion and thyme in a rich tomato-vegetable stock gravy, creating a deeply satisfying base.

On top, swoops of creamy mashed potatoes are sprinkled with Monterey Jack cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. It’s a complete, comforting meal that will please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

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Ingredients

16 ounce PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Monterey Jack CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Button MushroomsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce ThymeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 ounce Tomato PasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper, to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Dice potatoes into ½-inch pieces; place in a large pot with enough salted water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Reserve ½ cup potato cooking liquid, then drain and return potatoes to pot. Keep covered off heat until ready to mash.
2. While potatoes cook, trim and quarter mushrooms. Trim, peel and finely dice carrots. Halve, peel and dice half the onion (whole onion for 4 servings). Strip thyme leaves from stems.
3. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large, preferably ovenproof, pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add another drizzle of olive oil, carrots and onion; season with salt. Cook, stirring, until veggies are softened, 5-7 minutes more.
4. Stir 1 tablespoon butter (2 for 4 servings) into pan with veggies until melted, then add garlic powder, flour and half the thyme (all for 4). Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste until incorporated, 1 minute. Add ¾ cup water (1 cup for 4) and stock concentrates, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Turn off heat. If your pan isn’t ovenproof, transfer mixture to a baking dish.
5. Mash drained potatoes with sour cream, half the Monterey Jack and 2 tablespoons butter (3 for 4 servings) until smooth and creamy, adding splashes of reserved potato cooking liquid as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Heat broiler to high. Spoon mashed potatoes over the filling and spread into an even layer, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle with remaining Monterey Jack.
7. Broil until cheese is lightly browned, 3-4 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Let rest at least 5 minutes, then divide between plates and serve.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I make this shepherd's pie ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pie completely, then refrigerate before broiling. When ready to serve, broil until heated through and cheese is bubbly, adding a few extra minutes.

Can I use other mushrooms?

Absolutely. Cremini, portobello or a mix of wild mushrooms work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I substitute for Monterey Jack?

Try cheddar, Gouda or any melting cheese you prefer. The flavor will vary but still be delicious.