Primary Play Rainbow Shepherd's Pie

Primary Play Rainbow Shepherd's Pie brings a splash of color and a heap of veggie goodness to the dinner table. This recipe transforms the classic comfort food into a family favorite that encourages even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their vegetables. The cheerful rainbow mash makes every forkful feel like a celebration and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

My kids spotted this dish in a cookbook years ago and begged for the bright colors. Ever since, it has become the ultimate bribe on days when vegetables seem intimidating. The rainbow topping makes weeknight dinners so much more cheerful.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Boosts flavor and helps vegetables cook evenly. Choose extra virgin for the most aroma
• Onion and garlic: Create the aromatic base of the filling. Look for firm onions and plump garlic cloves
• Carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini: Add natural sweetness and color. Use fresh vegetables if possible but frozen works
• Frozen corn and peas: Deliver classic shepherd's pie comfort. Choose organic for extra sweetness
• Canned lentils: Offer protein and heartiness for the filling. Make sure to rinse well for best texture
• Canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste: Create richness and a saucy texture. Use no salt added brands if desired
• Dried thyme, oregano and paprika: Season the pie. Choose quality dried herbs for the most aroma
• Salt and black pepper: Round out all the flavors. Use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
• Potatoes and sweet potato: Make up the creamy base of the mash. Select starchy varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet for best results
• Milk and butter or plant based alternatives: Bring the mash together. Use the best unsalted butter you can find or vegan margarine
• Turmeric, mashed carrots and purple cabbage: Provide natural coloring for the mash. Steam vegetables until very soft for easy mixing
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds freshness and a burst of green flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius so it is ready when you assemble the pie

Sauté Aromatics:

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic. Gently cook them for about two to three minutes until the onions appear soft and translucent. This step is key because it starts building a savory base for the entire pie

Cook the Vegetables:

Add carrots, red and yellow peppers, broccoli and zucchini to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for five more minutes. The goal here is to soften the veggies slightly while keeping their colors bright

Add Remaining Filling Ingredients:

Stir in the corn, peas, lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for ten to twelve minutes. As the mixture thickens, the flavors meld and the filling gets juicy and rich

Prepare the Rainbow Mash:

While the filling simmers, boil peeled and cubed potatoes and sweet potato in salted water for about fifteen minutes until a fork easily pierces the pieces. Drain well to avoid a watery mash

Mash the Potatoes:

Transfer the drained potatoes and sweet potato to a large mixing bowl. Add milk, butter and salt. Mash until smooth, creamy and lump free

Divide and Color the Mash:

Spoon the mash into three separate bowls. For the orange bowl, add mashed cooked carrots. For the yellow bowl, add turmeric. For the purple bowl, add mashed steamed purple cabbage. Mix each thoroughly so the colors are vivid. If you want more colors, feel free to experiment

Assemble the Pie:

Spread the vegetable filling into a large baking dish. Layer the three colorful mashes on top in wide stripes or fun patterns. Use the back of a spoon to smooth or swirl

Bake:

Place the assembled casserole in the oven. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until the top is lightly golden and you see some bubbling at the edges. Rest for five minutes to make serving cleaner

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for even more color. Slice and serve straight from the dish

My favorite ingredient in this pie is the sweet potato because it adds such a creamy texture and mild sweetness. I remember the first time we painted the rainbow stripes together as a family. Everyone had their own ideas about color order and the kitchen was filled with laughter.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For meal prepping, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and bake when ready. If you freeze, cover tightly with wrap. The pie can be frozen unbaked up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap lentils for cooked ground turkey or beef for a traditional twist. Chickpeas or white beans make a good protein boost. Dairy free milk and butter work just as well for a vegan or allergy friendly option. If you do not have purple cabbage, try a splash of beet juice for that bright purple hue.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with simple green salads or steamed green beans for balance. A little sprinkle of grated parmesan or vegan cheese on top adds flavor, crunch and a touch of gold. Let kids help design the rainbow on top for an interactive meal.

Cultural and Historical Context

Shepherd's pie is a classic British comfort food that usually features meat and mashed potatoes. This rainbow version honors that tradition while embracing plant based eating and creative presentation. The bright colors are inspired by modern efforts to make classic dishes kid friendly and fun.

Seasonal Adaptations

Try using butternut squash in place of sweet potato in autumn. In summer, swap in fresh green beans or cherry tomatoes for extra brightness. Roasted root vegetables are great substitutes in winter.

Success Stories

My neighbor made this pie for her daughter who never touched peas or broccoli. She texted me later to say not only did her daughter eat it, she also asked to help make it next time. I have seen this dish bring smiles to fussy eaters and grown ups alike.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the pie right up to the baking step. Cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to serve, defrost overnight and bake until hot through. This makes a wonderful gift meal for new parents or anyone needing a little weeknight help.

This rainbow shepherd's pie brightens any dinner and makes veggies feel special. You'll have everyone smiling and asking for seconds.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I achieve the rainbow topping colors?

Divide the mashed potato topping into three portions and mix each with mashed carrots, turmeric, or purple cabbage for orange, yellow, and purple stripes.

→ Can I use a different protein instead of lentils?

Absolutely! Swap lentils for cooked ground turkey or beef for a non-vegetarian version, or try chickpeas or quinoa for extra protein.

→ Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?

Yes. Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to keep the mash dairy-free, ensuring all ingredients fit your dietary needs.

→ Can the dish be made ahead?

Yes, assemble fully up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to two days before baking when ready to serve.

→ How can I encourage picky eaters to try more vegetables?

The colorful presentation and mild flavors make the dish visually inviting and approachable, helping entice even reluctant eaters.