Asda Vegetarian Cottage Pie Recipe Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s both vegetarian and packed with flavour? The Asda Vegetarian Cottage Pie recipe is a fantastic choice that brings the warmth of a traditional cottage pie with a wholesome, meat-free twist.

This dish uses a rich medley of vegetables and lentils to create a satisfying filling, topped with fluffy mashed potatoes that bake to a golden perfection. Ideal for cozy dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family, whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just exploring plant-based meals.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also showcases how versatile vegetarian cooking can be. With simple ingredients you can find right at your local supermarket and straightforward steps, you’ll have a nutritious, soul-warming dish ready in no time.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing taste or texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian cottage pie is a wonderful blend of hearty vegetables, lentils, and creamy mashed potatoes, making it a fulfilling and balanced meal. If you’re used to traditional meat-based pies, this version doesn’t skimp on depth or comfort.

It’s incredibly versatile: swap veggies according to the season or your pantry. It’s also a great make-ahead dish that reheats beautifully.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly, perfect for feeding a family or batch cooking for the week.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply love a warming pie, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 150g mushrooms, chopped
  • 100g frozen peas
  • 150g green or brown lentils, cooked and drained
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 400ml vegetable stock
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 900g potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 50g butter
  • 100ml milk
  • Grated cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Ovenproof dish (approx. 20x30cm)
  • Colander
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring jug

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6.
  2. Cook the potatoes: Place peeled and chopped potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  3. Prepare the filling: While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  4. Add carrots and mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  5. Stir in the cooked lentils, frozen peas, tomato purée, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Assemble the pie: Spoon the vegetable and lentil mixture into your ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully layer the mashed potatoes over the top, smoothing them out with a spoon or spatula.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Remove from oven, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious vegetarian cottage pie!

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavour, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the filling.”

You can customize this vegetarian cottage pie by adding your favourite vegetables such as sweetcorn, parsnips, or butternut squash. For a vegan option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and skip the cheese topping.

Try using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich topping. If short on time, pre-cooked or canned lentils work just as well.

Leftovers make excellent next-day lunches and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (approx.)
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 15g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fat 8g
Fibre 10g
Sodium 400mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian cottage pie pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed greens like broccoli or green beans.

For something heartier, serve alongside buttered peas or roasted root vegetables. A slice of crusty bread, such as this Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe, is also a perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra gravy.

Conclusion

The Asda Vegetarian Cottage Pie is the perfect example of how traditional comfort food can be reinvented with a vegetarian twist without compromising on taste or satisfaction. This recipe is simple to prepare, packed with nutritious ingredients, and offers a warm, inviting dish ideal for chilly evenings or family dinners.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to introduce more plant-based meals into your routine, this cottage pie is a fantastic addition to your recipe repertoire. Don’t forget to explore more delightful recipes like our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for dessert or a treat like the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner.

📖 Recipe Card: Asda Vegetarian Cottage Pie

Description: A hearty vegetarian twist on the classic cottage pie, packed with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a comforting family meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery sticks, diced
  • 150g mushrooms, chopped
  • 150g frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
  • 400g canned lentils, drained and rinsed
  • 400ml vegetable stock
  • 900g potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 50ml milk
  • 25g butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
  2. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash with milk and butter; season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
  4. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in tomato purée and lentils, cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in vegetable stock and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
  7. Add frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes.
  8. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
  9. Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden.
  10. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Marta K

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