Beyond Meat Shepherd’s Pie
by Marly McMillen
This Beyond Meat Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy skillet dinner topped with golden tater tots. Easy, hearty, and 100% plant-based comfort food.
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When the craving for comfort food hits (and that’s often!), this Beyond Meat Shepherd’s Pie with crispy tater tots on top is my go-to favorite. It’s hearty, loaded with veggies, and topped with golden tots that practically beg you to dive in with a fork. I love that it all comes together in one skillet, making it a weeknight win. And honestly, using Beyond Meat makes it so satisfying, you’d never guess it’s vegan.
It’s Just Too Good to be True!
I LOVE shepherd’s pie, but it is a chore to make. That’s saying a lot coming from me.
At least that’s what I’ve thought until now. This recipe? It comes together in minutes and doesn’t even create a mess in the kitchen! One pan. That’s it!
Every time I pull it from the oven, I’m reminded why it’s too good to be true. It’s easy (hello, frozen veggies and tots), it’s fun (who doesn’t love a crispy tot topping?), and it’s pure cozy comfort in every bite.
Ingredient Notes
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
- Olive oil – Any neutral oil works here, but olive oil adds a lovely richness.
- Onions & garlic – Use fresh or grab frozen pre-chopped to save time.
- Beyond Beef – I used the crumbles that go straight from freezer to pan. If using Beyond Ground, pre-cook before starting the onion step. Beyond Burgers work too!
- Tomato paste – Adds depth and umami. Freeze leftover paste in 1-tbsp portions for later use.
- Soy sauce – Or substitute tamari (gluten-free) or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.
- Italian seasoning – A simple all-in-one blend, but thyme + rosemary also work beautifully.
- All-purpose flour – Thickens the filling; swap cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
- Frozen mixed vegetables – The classic peas, carrots, corn, and green beans combo keeps it easy.
- Vegetable broth – Builds the sauce; use low-sodium to control saltiness.
- Tater tots – Frozen, straight from the bag. No thawing required.
How to Make Beyond Meat Shepherd’s Pie with Tater Tots
Step One: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet. Add the onions and cook until they are softened, then stir in the garlic.
Step Two: Cook the Beyond Meat
Add Beyond Beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Break it up with a spatula.
Step Three: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle flour, stir well, and cook briefly.
Step Four: Add Veggies & Sauce
Mix in frozen veggies. Slowly add broth while stirring, creating a savory gravy. Simmer to thicken.
Step Five: Top with Tots
Spread frozen tater tots evenly over the skillet.
Step Six: Bake & Crisp
Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Broil briefly for extra crunch.
Marly’s Tips
- For extra depth, add a splash of red wine when cooking the Beyond Meat.
- If you like spice, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it cheesy: sprinkle vegan cheddar under the tots for gooey layers.
Recipe Test Kitchen
I tested this dish with both Beyond Beef Ground and the crumbles. The crumbles save time, but the ground has a slightly meatier bite—both work well.
I also tried it with fewer tots, but honestly, a complete blanket of tots is best for that crispy topping.
The biggest tip? Please don’t skimp on letting the sauce thicken before topping with tots; it prevents a watery base.
Storage Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Assemble the filling and top with tots, then freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Beyond Meat Skillet Shepherd’s Pie with Tater Tots
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and finly chopped
- 12 oz package Beyond Beef Crumbles (see notes if using ground that requires pre-cooking)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (substitute tamari or Braggs Aminos)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
- 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the base: In a large ovenproof skillet (10–12 inch cast iron works great), heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup onions,, 2 cloves garlic
- Add Beyond Beef: Crumble frozen or thawed Beyond Beef into the skillet. Cook until browned, 5–7 minutes.12 oz package Beyond Beef Crumbles
- Flavor it up: Stir in tomato paste, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Cook 1–2 minutes to let flavors develop.2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Add veggies & sauce: Stir in frozen vegetables. Slowly add broth, stirring, until a saucy filling forms. Simmer 5 minutes to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- Top with tots: Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the filling. (No need to thaw.)32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake 25–30 minutes, until tots are golden and crispy. For extra crispness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Serve: Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Recommended Equipment
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Notes
Beyond Beef Notes
There are a few Beyond Beef options you can use in this recipe:- Frozen Beyond Beef Crumbles: These go straight into the skillet—no pre-cooking needed.
- Beyond Beef Ground: Cook it first before adding the onions. Brown it in the skillet, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula.
- Beyond Burgers: Two or three patties work well. Cook them through, then break them into small pieces before adding.
Marly’s Tips
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle vegan cheddar or mozzarella shreds over the filling before adding tots for a melty middle layer.
- Gluten-free option: Use GF flour or cornstarch as the thickener.
- Meal prep: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready (add ~10 minutes to bake time).
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
More Dinner Skillet Recipes
If you love this skillet shepherd’s pie recipe, here are more favorites to try:
Frequently-Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.
Can I use fresh veggies?
Absolutely. Just chop and sauté them before adding the broth.
What if I don’t have an ovenproof skillet?
Cook the filling in a regular pan, then transfer it to a baking dish before topping with tots.
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
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