Rustic Vegetable Shepherd's Bake

Name: Rustic Vegetable Shepherd's Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 red bell pepper, cubed; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty & Delicious Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Rustic Vegetable Shepherd's Bake, especially during cozy fall evenings. It's a hearty, plant-based dish that brings together an array of vibrant vegetables, perfectly layered under a golden, creamy mash. Each time I prepare it, the kitchen fills with an aromatic medley of herbs and roasted veggies, making it impossible to resist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal produce, making it a go-to comfort meal that everyone can enjoy.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T14:18:28.518Z

When I first decided to create my version of a shepherd's pie, I wanted it to be packed with fresh vegetables. After several attempts, I discovered that roasting the veggies beforehand not only enhances their flavor but also gives the dish a beautiful texture. Each bite bursts with a rich combination of earthy tastes, which anyone at the table is sure to love.

One of my favorite tips is to use a mix of seasonal vegetables that truly resonate with the time of year. I often incorporate hearty root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, paired with green peas for a splash of color. And don’t skimp on the herbs; fresh rosemary and thyme really elevate this bake!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A deliciously hearty meal loaded with colorful vegetables
Creamy mashed potatoes that bring a perfect comfort
Easily customizable with your favorite seasonal produce
A fantastic dish for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredients

For the Vegetable Filling

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 red bell pepper, cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 zucchini, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until they're slightly softened.

Add Remaining Veggies

Add the red bell pepper, garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with soy sauce, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Bake the Filling

Transfer the vegetable mixture to a greased baking dish. Roast in the oven for 25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the vegetables are baking, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and return them to the pot. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash until creamy.

Assemble the Bake

Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the oven. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the vegetable filling. You can use a fork to create some texture on the top, which will get golden brown.

Final Bake

Return the assembled bake to the oven and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the mashed potatoes are slightly browned.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Make it your own with seasonal ingredients!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can include any vegetables you like or have on hand.

→ Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled shepherd's bake. Just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

→ How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, simply substitute the milk and butter in the mashed potatoes with plant-based alternatives.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This bake is delicious on its own but can also be paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread.