Lentil Barley Shepherd's Pie

Cozy up with a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food with this Lentil Barley Shepherd's Pie. Packed with earthy green lentils, nutty pearled barley, and a rich array of sautéed veggies like carrots, celery, and onion, this recipe offers hearty nourishment in every bite. The savory filling is infused with warming spices like smoked paprika and thyme, then topped with a pillowy layer of creamy mashed potatoes, broiled to golden perfection. Completely vegetarian and loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, this one-pan wonder is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you're craving a healthier spin on shepherd's pie or a hearty meatless option, this dish delivers all the flavor and comfort you love, making it a standout choice for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.75 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
• 0.5 cup pearled barley
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (pre-cooked, or see notes)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 0.25 cup milk (any variety)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the green lentils, barley, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and barley are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed, then transfer the filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6

If making mashed potatoes from scratch, mash 2 pounds of cooked potatoes with the butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. If using pre-cooked mashed potatoes, warm them and stir in the butter and milk.

Step 7

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the lentil-barley filling in the baking dish, using a spatula to create a smooth layer. Use a fork to create ridges for better browning.

Step 8

Bake the shepherd's pie in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the potato topping.

Step 9

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3038.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2448.8

Total Fat 83.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.2g
Cholesterol 117.9mg	0%
Sodium 7143.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 386.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 71.7g	0%
Total Sugars 63.3g
Protein 74.1g	0%

Vitamin D 35.5IU	0%
Calcium 643.3mg	0%
Iron 20.8mg	0%
Potassium 6892.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.9%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 59.6%