Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie With Baked Beans: Hearty and Delicious

Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie With Baked Beans, a delightful vegetarian twist on a classic comfort food. This dish combines the rich flavors of vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and savory baked beans to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Inspired by traditional recipes and modern variations from chefs like Jamie Oliver and Ottolenghi, this shepherd’s pie is perfect for those seeking a meatless option without compromising on taste. Learn how to make this versatile and comforting dish with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

Ingredients

To make a delicious Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie With Baked Beans, gather the following ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 can (400g) baked beans (Heinz or your preferred brand)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
• 2 tablespoons butter (or margarine for a vegan option)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie with Baked Beans:

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add the diced carrots, red bell pepper, zucchini, and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the Baked Beans: Stir in the can of baked beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed among the vegetables.
3. Season the Mixture: Add the vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

1. Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add milk and butter, mashing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Layer the Pie: Spread the vegetable and bean filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them smoothly with a spatula.
3. Bake the Pie: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

• Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and hearty Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie with Baked Beans!

Tips and Variations

• Add More Vegetables: Customize your pie by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesy Topping: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potato layer before baking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or basil for a unique flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and margarine in the mashed potatoes to make the recipe entirely vegan.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sodium: 640mg

Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie With Baked Beans is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty family dinner or a satisfying lunch, this dish is sure to please both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Give it a try and enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this delightful recipe.