Vegan Shepherd's Pie

I made this for St. Patty's Day this last year, however this meal is perfect for those comfort food days. This recipe is vegan, however you can still use this recipe to make the non vegan version as well.

Note: I found the non-vegan recipe on thecandidappetite.com but modified it to make this vegan version. 

INGREDIENT LIST:

MEAT MIXTURE:  

• 2 packs of Beyond Meat burger (total of 4 burgers used). You can also use another form of meat substitute if you can't find beyond meat. 

• 3 cloves of garlic (I buy the already minced garlic from Trader Joes. 1/2 tablespoon is equivalent to one clove)

• 2 bay leaves (This is usually used to remove that wild flavor from traditional meat, however I found it gives the dish an overall nice flavor)

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• 1 teaspoon of pepper

• 1 whole onion - large. ( you can chop this, my husband dislikes the texture of onion so I blended mine in a blender)

• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste

• 1 cup of Guinness Stout Beer

• 2 tablespoons of flour

• 1 pack of the frozen mixed peas and carrots

• 1/2 cup of vegetable stock

• 1 tablespoon of vegan worcestershire sauce. 

• 1 box of mushrooms ( I minced mine)

• French Fried Onions

MASHED POTATOES: 

• 2 pounds of potatoes ( I like to use red potatoes since they are creamier) or 1 whole box of instant potatoes. 

• Two Tablespoons of minced garlic ( sautéed in a tablespoon of olive oil until golden brown) or 2 whole heads of garlic (oven roasted)

• 6 tablespoons of Earth balance vegan butter

• 1 Cup or Soy milk or other non-dairy milk (I used Trader Joes soy creamer)

Recipe Directions: 

First remove the beyond burger from the packaging and begin cooking in pan. Begin mashing the burger like you would ground beef.  Make sure you use a fairly large pot to fit all of the ingredients. If you are using beyond burger do not use added oil as it already creates its own in the pot. If you are using another meat substitute you can use two tablespoons of olive oil to brown your meat. 

Next, you will be adding your onions and garlic into your pot to sauté along with your meat. 

Add in your salt and pepper. 

Once that has cooked for a bit,  you will be adding your mushrooms and the bay leaves. 

Go ahead and add in the tomato paste until it is evenly mixed in. 

This next bit is especially important as it will be thickening your mixture. You will be slowly adding in the flour while continuously stirring. 

Once the flour is mixed in, add your Guinness and stir to a simmer. 

Add in your vegan worscestershire sauce as well as the vegetable stock. 

Lastly dump in your frozen peas & carrots. :)

Continue mixing ingredients on medium heat until the carrots and peas have thoroughly cooked. 

Your mixture should look something like this. 

We will now be making the mashed potatoes! My favorite :)

Mashed Potatoes: 

First step is to peel, cube and boil the potatoes. 

Once you have drained them. Set them aside in your pot. 

In a separate small pan take your two tablespoons of already pre minced garlic and sauté in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until golden brown. 

On low heat begin to add your butter, soy creamer (other non-dairy milk) and your browned garlic. Mash and mix until desired consistency. 

Woohoo! You've made it this far. Now comes the easy part. 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 

In a glass or non-stick pan, add your meat mixture first. Next Layer your mashed potatoes on top and smooth the edges. I like to layer on a lot of potatoes. ;)

Cook in the oven for 30 min or until the top of the mashed potatoes start to gold. 

The last 5-7 min add your french fried onions on top and let them crisp. 

Here's the final result!!!