High-Fibre Shepherd’s Pie
A hearty, high-fibre shepherd’s pie packed with lentils, vegetables and protein. A warming, nutritious dinner for four that keeps you full.
Ingredients
For The Filling & Topping:
- 400g Butternut Squash, Peeled And Cubed
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, Finely Chopped
- 4 Carrots, Diced
- 2 Sticks Celery, Diced
- 2 Garlic Cloves, Peeled And Chopped
- 2 Tsp Dried Thyme
- 320g Minced Lamb
- 200ml Beef Stock
- 1 Tin (400g) Chopped Tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tin (400g) Lentils, Rinsed And Drained
- 80g Cheddar, Grated
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Cook Squash: Preheat oven to fan 200°C / 220°C conventional. Boil the butternut squash until soft, then drain and mash. Season with salt & pepper; set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Fry until soft (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and thyme; cook another minute.
- Cook Meat & Build Sauce: Add minced lamb; brown fully. Stir in beef stock, chopped tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Lentils: Remove from heat; stir in the rinsed lentils. Taste; season with salt & pepper as needed. Transfer mixture to a large baking dish.
- Top & Bake: Spread the mashed butternut squash over the filling. Sprinkle grated cheddar on top. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed green vegetables or a fresh side salad.
- Variations: Swap lamb for lean beef, turkey, or a plant-based mince. Use sweet potato in mash for more flavour.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Can also be portioned and frozen for up to 2 months.
- Gluten & Ingredient Check: For those avoiding gluten, ensure Worcestershire sauce and beef stock are gluten-free.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 468Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 422mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 6gSugar: 7gProtein: 27g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using standard online tools and common ingredients. Values may vary depending on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For medical or dietary advice, always consult a qualified professional.
FAQs
Q: Is shepherd’s pie high in fibre?
A: The addition of vegetables like carrot, celery, plus red lentils makes this version high in fibre (≈10g per serving), which supports digestive health and satiety.
Q: Can I prepare shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
A: Yes — you can make the filling a day ahead. Store in the fridge, then top with mash and bake when ready.
Q: What mash topping works best?
A: Butternut squash makes for a nutritious, lower-GI alternative to potato mash. Sweet potato is also a tasty option if you want more traditional flavours.
Q: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheddar topping entirely. Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
