The traditional and budget-friendly Irish recipe with a twist! This meatless Rustic Mung Bean Shepherd's Pie is gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly. Whether you're in need of a easy family dinner to serve a crowd of just need some healthy comfort food, this cottage pie is the way to go!
The glory! The pride! This is a celebration and a recipe long overdue! Just in time for St. Patrick's Day I had to get a shepherd's pie recipe done, not only for you readers of the blog, but also myself! My strong Irish roots have been crying over the fact that I've never had shepherd's pie...ever! A classic dish that I never even had when I was younger and had a non-restricted diet! At least I saved myself with Irish Soda Bread last year!
Before my excitement gets the best of me, let me ramble about some facts! "Shepherd's Pie" refers to the pie when lamb is used; "Cottage Pie" refers to the pie when beef is used, but always, it is topped with beautiful white potato <3 That's what the Irish are known for, which is funny. I never realized, but I guess it makes full sense that potatoes are my favorite food and I'm Irish! It was destiny, my friends! The pie is such an easy "peasant" food to make with minimal ingredients. The "ground" protein, 1 or 2 starchy veggies, tomato sauce, and the mashed potato top. To make this Strength and Sunshine-approved, I made a few tweeks of course, but kept it pretty classic and still simple!
As you could tell right away, I cooked this bad boy in the skillet! I always add the adjective "rustic" to the title when we get some iron involved 😉 The usual meatless swap you see vegans and vegetarians make is with lentils...well, I didn't want to follow the crowd. That's a lie...I almost did, but then I saw a bag of SPROUTED mung beans on sale at the store for $2.99 (guys, that never happens!) so my recipe idea quickly changed! I still couldn't decide on just 1 or 2 starchy veggies for the filling so I went with all 3 typical ones! Peas, corn, and carrots (I used all frozen veggies to for even more no-fuss cooking)! I know you probably thought I'd use some sort of non-traditional potato, but I kept it real by using some little red skinned potatoes (un-peeled, by the way)!
From there the rest is history. Okay, I did add some nooch to the mashed potato. I had to par down the recipe while I was making it. My cast iron wasn't big enough! It sure is a meal that keeps on giving. So hearty, comforting, easy, and "cheap" to make! And really, come on now, who wouldn't want to dive into a pan with a thick layer of potatoes covering the extra goods?
Need an even easier recipe that can be made in 30 minutes? Check out this EASY Lentil Shepherd's Pie!
Rustic Mung Bean Shepherd's Pie (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Rustic Mung Bean Shepherd's Pie (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
The traditional and budget-friendly Irish recipe with a twist! This meatless Rustic Mung Bean Shepherd's Pie is gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly. Whether you're in need of a easy family dinner to serve a crowd of just need some healthy comfort food, this cottage pie is the way to go!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients
- Mashed Potatoes
- 3 Large Red Skinned Potatoes (boiled, about 4 cups mashed)
- ½ Cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk
- 1 TB Nutritional Yeast
- Filling:
- 3 Cups Cooked Sprouted Mung Beans
- 2 Cups Sliced Carrots
- 2 Cups Corn
- 2 Cups Peas
- 1 Cup Diced Sweet Onion
- 1 Cup Unsalted Plain Tomato Sauce
- 2 TB Tomato Paste
- 2 Tsp Coconut Aminos (optional)
- 1 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 Tsp Dried Rosemary (crushed)
- ½ Tsp Black Pepper
- 2 Tsp Dried Parsley (to top)
- ½ Tsp Smoked Paprika (to top)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut and boil the potatoes, unpeeled, in a large pot and mash with the milk and nutritional yeast; set aside.
- In a large seasoned cast iron skillet, add all of the filling ingredients and saute for 10 minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Flatten out the filling and then top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle on the smoked paprika and parsley.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes become slightly golden around the edge of the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
So good! That first scoop, I swear I could here the food angels sing! Now I know what I'll be making again for St. Patrick's day along with some soda bread and what you'll be making too, regardless if you're Irish or not! Let's get out those cast irons and get rustic!
So tell me:
+ Have you ever had Shepherd's Pie or are you late to the game like me?
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Mel
I love Shepherd's Pie. Your vegan version looks mouth-watering!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Miz Helen
Your Rustic Mung Bean Shepherds Pie looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
kimmythevegan
Oh now that's a St. Paddy's Day meal! Looks so delicious. Super filling - love that creamy mashed potato topping.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure is! Thanks!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
Love how veggie-packed this dish is! A great swap for a typically heavy dish.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's what I was aiming for!
Honest Mum
This looks yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
kristin mccarthy
I love everything you post! Seriously you are so creative in your dishes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much!
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
Rebecca, this looks delish! Sometimes I make shepherd's pie with beef or turkey, sometimes with legumes (and I don't even miss the meat!). A lovely comforting dish with all those lovely vegetables and herbs.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Gotta keep it beany 😉
Veronika Sykorova
Looks so good! I've never actually had Shepard's pie, I should give it a try some day!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I know I'm glad I finally did!
Manju | Cooking Curries
I am a big fan of Mung Beans and always looking for new recipes with it. Looks great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Jen
Looks so good! I don't think I've ever cooked with mung beans before! I love mung bean pasta! Adding this to the menu rotation soon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Make sure you get they're sprouted for this recipe though!
Lindsey
I love how you included so many veggies here! What a hearty meal! Thank you so so much for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Great, thanks!
Carol
Sounds good and I can see using lentils or other legumes
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are the best meaty sub!
Serena
What a great recipe! It looks so hearty and comforting.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thnak you!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I've never had Shepherds Pie! But I love all the ingredients and how colorful it is!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O, you've got to make some!
Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy
I've never had shephards pie before, but love mung beans! Looks delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Give it a try!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
What a fun twist! I love that this is vegetarian but still hearty!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Of course!
Platter Talk
Gluten free and vegan? I'll take it! What gorgeous pictures and a savory looking pie.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Big thank you 🙂
The Food Hunter
I would love to give this a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
What a great meatless option. Mung beans are so healthy....and in this dish totally delicious. Perfect for "Meatless Monday's"
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yup, any day of the week!
Corina
What a great recipe to make with mung beans! I have some in the cupboard but haven't used them for ages. This really would be a great recipe to make one day and then eat up for the rest of the week too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! The recipe makes SO much food!
Sharon @ Bit of the Good Stuff
How pretty is this Shepherd's Pie? ❤️ I'm so pleased that your first experience of Shepherd's Pie has been a positive one. I have bad memories of this pie as we often had it when I was a child and I couldn't bear eating mince 🙁 Your version looks way, way more appetising. The perfect dish to serve on St Patrick's Day 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well I'm glad I made it pretty too! It helps to make it all plant-based 😉
Michelle
My oldest has actually been asking me to make Shepherd's Pie after he had it at a friend's house. Thanks for this recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect timing!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
Scotland is just 2 hours flight from Ireland so make sure you come to visit if you're in Ireland investigating your Irish roots! Your shepherds pie filling looks absolutely scrumptious by the way. I love the combination of mung beans and veggies that you've used.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet you get some perfect shepherd's pie over there 😉 jealous!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
I love pretty much any veggie dish with "rustic" in the title. This looks great and so fulfilling Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, my favorite word 😛
Amanda
This looks delicous! I love all the veggies, it's a great comfort food!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thank you!
Linda @ Veganosity
This is perfect for St. Patrick's Day. Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Just what we need!
Aish Das-Padihari
This is a nice twist to shepherd's pie. Love the vegan version.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Alison's Allspice
I love that you didn't peel the potatoes, that's exactly how I would do it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I will never waste a potato peel! Always use 'em!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
This recipe is worth a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Obviously!
Pretty Patel
I am a big fan of potatoes too! Love the idea of using mung beans in shepherds pie, great idea.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Kate Veggie Desserts
A gorgeous veggie version of a meaty classic, love your little twists and cooking in a skillet does give it that authentic rustic feel. Enjoy St. Patrick's Day.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, always have to use the iron!
Casey the College Celiac
I had shepard's pie a lot growing up but I haven't tried it since I went gluten free (and ditched dairy and red meat). It's definitely on my to-do list now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well here you go then!
Mary
The best part of Shepard's pie is the potatoes, so this recipe is perfect for me. Have a great week Rebecca.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The potatoes are always the best part of any dish!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
This shepards pie look super hardy and filling. Have you tried freezing the leftovers?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Seems like a weird dish to freeze!
Georgie @ The Home Cooks Kitchen
yum! this looks great! never used mung beans before! I should add that to my 'to eat' list as well!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, please do!
Courtney
Ooh, I love this twist on one of my favorite comfort foods! 🙂 YUM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Kelly
Love the gluten free - vegan twist on this shepherd's pie. The more veggies, the better!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Agreed!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
Looks amazing, Rebecca! So comforting. Oddly though I don't think I've ever cooked mung beans. That needs to change ASAP!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This was my first time 😉 Sprouted makes it so easy though!
Katrin
What an interesting take on a Shepherd's pie! It looks delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well, thank you!
Evi @ greenevi
How delicious is this?! I love that you used mung beans here!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right? Such a random find, but I love these sprouted and they worked perfectly!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
This is a great idea! I never would have thought of that. I love Shepherd's pie but I can't have potatoes so I never make it. Love this alternative!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Whaa!? Why not?
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
I found out they're an allergy for me.
Raia
It looks delicious! I love the beany twist!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you 🙂
Kate
This looks love amazing hearty comfort food! I need to get hold of some coconut aminos - intrigued!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The best allergy-free "soy" sauce 😉
Mary Ellen @ VNutrition
Love all the veggies you have in there! Mung beans are awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are so good! Especially sprouted!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
Rebeca - you did a fantastic job making a veggie, allergy-friendly adaptation of the traditional Shepherd's Pie - I don't have an ounce of Irish blood in me but I grew up eating Shepherd's Pie or Cottage Pie almost weekly!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well that Irish blood is not required 😉 Just god taste in yummy food!