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    Home » Food and Drink » Meat & Seafood

    Dairy Free Shepherd's Pie

    Published: Nov 4, 2018 · Modified: Oct 5, 2022 by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe

    Dairy free shepherd’s pie is a hearty casserole with a savory meat and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

    As the temperatures slowly begin to drop, I'm reminded of one of my favorite warm and nourishing meals.

    It's incredibly easy to make dairy free, if you're lactose intolerant like me, or just avoiding dairy in general.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    Simply put, it's comfort food at its finest! Each spoonful contains flavorful meat, tender vegetables, and fluffy dairy free mashed potatoes.

    I personally love serving beef shepherd's pie during the fall and winter months, when I'm in the mood for something cozy and comforting. However, this meal is perfect served year round as a simple make ahead dinner!

    Lastly, shepherd's pie uses a handful of affordable ingredients and common pantry staples. Ready to give it a try? Let's get cooking!

    Shepherd's pie vs cottage pie

    You may be wondering, what's the difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie? In short, shepherd’s pie traditionally contains lamb and cottage pie uses ground beef. Most people just call either version shepherd's pie.

    My version contains no cheese, no milk, no butter, and no egg!

    Equipment

    • Casserole dish: I prefer to bake this casserole in a baking dish, but you could a cast iron skillet instead.
    • Stockpot: This is my go-to stockpot due to its size and lid for easy draining.
    • Nonstick pan: Every homecook has their favorite pots and pans. This durable frying pan is mine! It's large and easy to clean.

    Key ingredients

    • Meat: I use ground beef. If you're not a fan of red meat, swap it out for ground turkey or ground chicken.
    • Vegetables: For convenience, I use frozen mixed veggies with carrots and peas along with onion and garlic. Feel free to experiment with different veggies like mushrooms or green beans.
    • Potatoes: In my opinion, yukon gold potatoes are the best for mashed. However, use your favorite type of potato for the topping.
    • Butter vs Oil: You can use vegan butter or for a simple plant based butter alternative, just use neutral tasting oil! I typically use olive oil or avocado oil.

    Substitutions and variations

    Make gluten free shepherd's pie by using gluten free flour and ensuring the worcestershire sauce is safe for you.

    For a vegan shepherd's pie, replace the meat with meatless crumbles or even cooked lentils!

    How to make

    This recipe takes about an hour to cook from start to finish. Here's how to make dairy free shepherd's pie, step-by-step.

    Prepare mashed potatoes

    I use my olive oil mashed potatoes recipe for the shepherd's pie topping. The result is lighter and healthier.

    Just like you would normally make mashed potatoes, place taters in a pot and cover with water. Bring water to a boil and cook until fork tender, which is about 15 minutes. Drain the water, mash, then stir in olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.

    Cook the meat and vegetable filling

    As the potatoes cook, brown the meat in a skillet until fully cooked. Toss in the veggies and cook until just tender.

    Make the sauce

    Add the flour, tomato paste, broth, worcestershire sauce, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to fully combine then bring to a simmer. Let cook until the sauce reduces down and thickens to your desired consistency.

    Assemble the casserole

    Coat the baking dish with cooking oil spray and transfer filling, spreading out evenly. Top with a single layer of mashed potatoes. Optionally, use your fork as a rake to create a rough topping.

    Bake until golden

    Place baking dish in oven preheated to 350F. Let casserole cook for 30 minutes, or until golden and slightly crispy on top. Those little crispy bits are the best part!

    Storage and reheating

    Shepherd's pie is the ultimate recipe to meal prep and enjoy throughout the week or as leftovers the following day.

    How to store leftovers

    Let the casserole cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

    To freeze

    Once the shepherd's pie is cooled completely, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge.

    To reheat

    Reheat in the oven preheated to 350F. For single portions, bake for 10-15 minutes. For the whole casserole, bake for about 25 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively and if you're short on time, pop a portion in the microwave and heat until hot.

    Related recipes

    Try these other delicious dairy free recipes next:

    • Tater Tot Casserole (Hotdish)
    • Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
    • Egg Free & Dairy Free Meatballs
    • Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
    • Dairy Free & Gluten Free Sloppy Joe's
    • Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

    Dairy Free Shepherd's Pie Recipe

    Author: Jenna Urben
    Dairy free shepherd’s pie is a hearty casserole with a savory meat and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
    4.98 from 42 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 665 kcal

    Equipment

    • 6-quart stockpot
    • 12-inch frying pan
    • 9x13-inch casserole dish

    Ingredients
      

    For the mashed potato topping

    • 4 potatoes roughly chopped
    • ¼ cup olive oil or vegan butter
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    For the beef and veggie filling

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • 1 small onion diced
    • 2 garlic cloves minced
    • 12 ounce frozen mixed vegetables
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 cup broth vegetable or beef
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you're cooking!

    Instructions
     

    • Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the potato water. Return potatoes to pot. Mash potatoes with a potato masher, add olive oil, about ½ of the reserved water, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, adding more reserved water (or dairy-free milk) if needed to thin out the mashed potatoes. Once cooked, set aside.
    • Meanwhile, heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in onion and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add frozen mixed veggies and let cook until just tender.
    • Coat beef/veggie mixture with flour. Stir in tomato paste, broth, worcestershire sauce, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then cook cook over low heat until the sauce reduces and thickens to your liking.
    • Preheat the oven to 350F. Transfer mixture to an oil-sprayed 9x13-inch (or similar size) casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. If desired, use a fork to create texture or ruffles in the topping.
    • Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden on the top and bubbling around the edges. Once cooked, remove from the oven, let cool for about 5 minutes, then serve warm.

    Notes

    To store leftovers, let cool completely then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or freezer for up to 3 months.
    Reheat in the oven preheated to 350F. For single portions, bake for 10-15 minutes. For the whole casserole, bake for about 25 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively and if you're short on time, pop a portion in the microwave and heat until hot. If cooking from frozen, let thaw overnight in the fridge.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 665kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 28gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 484mgPotassium: 1550mgFiber: 9gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4595IUVitamin C: 55mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 6mg
    Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

    More Meat & Seafood

    • Old Fashioned Pot Roast
    • Dairy Free Beef Stroganoff
    • Barbacoa Street Tacos
    • Dairy Free Lasagna

    About Jenna Urben

    Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

    Reader Interactions

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    1. Julie

      May 29, 2023 at 12:03 pm

      What would be the carbs for 1 quarter of the recipe please?

      Reply
      • Jenna Urben

        May 29, 2023 at 4:40 pm

        Hi Julie! According to the nutrition facts, 1 serving (or a quarter of the casserole) has 58g carbs.

        Reply
    2. John N.

      April 01, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      I live with a genetic disorder that makes me allergic to a lot off foods and this is one recipe fits into what I can eat and taste wonderful. I also had to take out the tomato because I'm highly allergic to tomatoes and it turned out splendid.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        April 02, 2020 at 7:27 am

        Thank you for sharing, John! I'm so glad you enjoyed this dish 🙂

        Reply
    3. Zuzana

      December 05, 2018 at 1:32 am

      5 stars
      A great idea on how you have managed to get the layers just perfectly. And it looks really divine. Just ready to dive in. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        December 05, 2018 at 10:15 am

        It's so easy and no-fuss at all 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jean

      November 18, 2018 at 11:12 pm

      5 stars
      Loving the layers in this. That potato layer especially looks so velvety and creamy!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 19, 2018 at 9:32 am

        Thanks, Jean!!

        Reply
    5. Hope

      November 18, 2018 at 10:31 pm

      5 stars
      This is a favourite in my family - the perfect comfort food! I love that you have made this one dairy free, looks very hearty and delicious!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 19, 2018 at 9:32 am

        Yes! Such a great comforting meal 🙂 Thank you

        Reply
    6. ChihYu

      November 18, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      It looks creamy, hearty, and delicious! They are so perfect for the holiday season as well as colder months!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 19, 2018 at 9:31 am

        I totally agree 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    7. Kortney

      November 14, 2018 at 8:45 am

      I didn't know that the difference between the pies was the meat used! Learn something new everyday 😀 This is the perfect winter recipe.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 14, 2018 at 3:28 pm

        Interesting, right? 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    8. Bailey

      November 11, 2018 at 6:23 pm

      This looks so yummy! I loved this growing up but developed dairy sensitivities when I got older. I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 11, 2018 at 6:40 pm

        Thanks, Bailey! I'm so excited you get to have this again 🙂 Let me know what you think.

        Reply
    9. Amanda

      November 10, 2018 at 9:10 pm

      It's so great that you found such a tasty and heartwarming recipe that takes into account food sensitivities.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 11, 2018 at 11:50 am

        Thanks, Amanda 🙂

        Reply
      • Jody

        January 02, 2021 at 10:42 am

        Would this work with gluten free flour?

        Reply
        • Jenna | The Urben Life

          January 02, 2021 at 10:51 am

          Yes! You can absolutely use your favorite gluten free flour in place of all purpose flour. I really like Bob’s Red Mill and King Arthur Flour.

          Reply
    10. Charlotte

      November 10, 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Finally! I feel like I’ve been looking for this recipe forever!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 10, 2018 at 4:11 pm

        I hope you try it soon? Enjoy!!

        Reply
    11. Ashley

      November 10, 2018 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      Pardon me while I book a flight to come to your house for dinner haha! This looks sooooo good!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 10, 2018 at 12:39 pm

        Hahaha!!! Thanks so much 🙂

        Reply
    12. Kelly Short

      November 10, 2018 at 8:17 am

      I love allergy friendly receipes! We have food allergies in our family and in definitely going to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 10, 2018 at 12:37 pm

        Yay, all my recipes are dairy-free & egg-free! Sometimes vegan & gluten-free. I hope y'all enjoy it 🙂 Let me know if you ever have any allergy-friendly recipe requests.

        Reply
    13. Justine

      November 09, 2018 at 10:19 pm

      Interesting, I always grew up with it being called shepherd's pie and we made it with beef or turkey, but it totally makes sense that shepherds pie would have lamb in it! Thanks for the info!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 10, 2018 at 12:36 pm

        I think a lot of us did 🙂 You're welcome!

        Reply
    14. Molly

      November 09, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      SHOOT I need to make this ASAP. Looks incredible and I'm all about recipes that are dairy free!!

      http://www.mollyonthemoveblog.com

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 5:30 pm

        Heck yes, thanks so much!!

        Reply
    15. Lara

      November 09, 2018 at 3:52 pm

      It's hard to find anything this good looking that's dairy free! Sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 5:29 pm

        Thanks, Lara! I hope you'll have a look around my blog if you're looking for tasty dairy-free recipes 🙂

        Reply
    16. Lauren

      November 09, 2018 at 1:57 pm

      My mum made the best cottage pie growing up. I’m so going to make this for her.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 5:28 pm

        Awh, that makes me so happy 🙂

        Reply
    17. Tanvi Rastogi

      November 09, 2018 at 12:12 pm

      I love the recipe. I am a vegetarian and try and stay away from dairy as much as possible. I will have to try this out.

      ❥ tanvii.com

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 12:28 pm

        Thanks 🙂 Enjoy!!

        Reply
    18. Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome

      November 09, 2018 at 11:15 am

      What a tasty recipe and it's awesome that it's dairy free!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 12:27 pm

        Thanks, Paula 🙂 Always dairy-free & egg-free!!

        Reply
    19. Mimi

      November 09, 2018 at 11:14 am

      I've never tried cottage pie but it looks delicious! I need to make it

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 12:27 pm

        I hope you give it a go 🙂

        Reply
    20. Farrah

      November 09, 2018 at 10:09 am

      I haven't made a cottage pie in years and I'm not entirely sure why, because they're delicious! I need to try this out! <3!! It looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 10:46 am

        Woohoo, I hope you try it soon 🙂

        Reply
    21. Ingrid

      November 09, 2018 at 3:21 am

      The Cottage Pie as a variation of Shepherds Pie is one of those pot meals that our family would love. With the ground beef browned and with onion, carrots, peas, and garlic it is sure to taste delicious.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 09, 2018 at 10:43 am

        Yay, I'm thrilled to hear that 🙂 I hope you and your family enjoy it soon!

        Reply
    22. Brianna Hobbs

      November 07, 2018 at 10:38 pm

      This satiates that comfort food craving like nothing else can! I love that you took such a classic recipe and made it dairy free and egg free.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 08, 2018 at 1:16 pm

        Aw thanks so much, I really appreciate your comment!

        Reply
    23. Shay Lachendro

      November 07, 2018 at 9:33 am

      This looks like total comfort food, can't wait to make it when the weather gets a little cooler!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 07, 2018 at 10:50 am

        Oh, absolutely 🙂 Let me know what you think!

        Reply
    24. Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations

      November 07, 2018 at 8:29 am

      5 stars
      I never knew the difference between cottage pie and shepherds pie - good to know!! This looks so delicous and comforting 🙂

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 07, 2018 at 10:50 am

        Yay 🙂 Thanks so much!

        Reply
    25. Gemma

      November 06, 2018 at 11:33 pm

      I never knew the difference. This looks delicious.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 07, 2018 at 10:49 am

        Thanks , Gemma 🙂

        Reply
    26. Jessica

      November 06, 2018 at 7:27 pm

      It sounds delish! Saving it to try later.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 07, 2018 at 10:49 am

        Thanks, Jessica! I hope you love it 🙂

        Reply
    27. GiGi Eats

      November 06, 2018 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      Well not aren't you a friggin' RECIPE GENIUS!!!!!! Love this idea so much and I do have a head of cauliflower I could use for the topping instead of potatoes!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 06, 2018 at 9:18 am

        Awh, thanks GiGi!! OMG that would be so great 🙂

        Reply
    28. Kathy Hester

      November 05, 2018 at 10:03 pm

      5 stars
      I can't wait to see how the Vegan version comes out. I am excited to try it.

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 06, 2018 at 9:16 am

        I'll be sure to let you know once it's live!!

        Reply
    29. Em Smith

      November 05, 2018 at 8:54 pm

      This looks delicious and easy! I'm about to print the recipe right now!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 06, 2018 at 9:16 am

        Happy to hear that, Em! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    30. Amy @ Orison Orchards

      November 05, 2018 at 4:26 pm

      I'm glad to know the difference between the two! I have always used hamburger and called it Shepherd's Pie. I'll have to repent, ha, ha! This is my daughter's favorite meal, and she has requested it for her birthday tomorrow. So perfect timing on the recipe! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 05, 2018 at 4:29 pm

        Hahaha – I definitely think Shepherd's Pie is the more common name, so most people just go with that 🙂 At the end of the day, it probably comes back to personal preference. I found the history really interesting though! Wishing your daughter a very happy birthday!!

        Reply
    31. Gena

      November 05, 2018 at 10:57 am

      I love this recipe! I am staying away from dairy, so it's so nice to how creative people can be using everything but dairy!

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 05, 2018 at 1:22 pm

        Thanks so much, Gena!! I hope you give this dairy-free recipe a try 🙂

        Reply
    32. Alisa Fleming

      November 05, 2018 at 10:42 am

      This looks like such a comforting winter meal. I think I might need to make this for my husband. He is a "meat and potatoes" kind of guy 🙂

      Reply
      • Jenna | The Urben Life

        November 05, 2018 at 1:21 pm

        Absolutely, Alisa! He'll love it.

        Reply

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