This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish with layers of savory veggies and a fluffy sweet potato topping. It’s hearty and packed with flavor!
I love how the sweet potatoes add a lovely twist to the traditional recipe. Plus, it feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for chilly nights. 🍠❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star ingredient! Their natural sweetness adds amazing flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen sweet potato mash or even regular potatoes for a classic touch.
Ground Meat: I prefer ground beef for its taste, but you can use ground lamb for a more traditional shepherd’s pie. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or lentils are great plant-based alternatives.
Vegetables: The peas and corn add nice texture and color. Use fresh vegetables if available, or try swaps like green beans or bell peppers for a different flavor. They can be a fun way to change things up!
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary work beautifully, but dried ones are just fine too. If you don’t have these on hand, Italian seasoning can be a good substitute.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Getting the right texture for the mashed sweet potatoes is key for this pie. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook sweet potatoes until very tender, about 15 minutes, to ensure they’re easy to mash.
- Add butter and a splash of milk if you want creaminess. I find that using warm milk helps maintain that fluffy texture.
- Season with salt and pepper while mashing until smooth. Taste as you go to get the flavor just right!
This combination will give you a creamy, flavorful topping that perfectly contrasts the savory meat filling below. Enjoy your cooking journey!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 cup frozen peas and corn mix
- 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
Total Time Needed:
This delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie will take about 45 minutes total: about 15 minutes for prep, 15 minutes cooking the sweet potatoes, and 20-25 minutes baking in the oven. It’s quick to whip up and rewarding to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes until they are very tender. Once done, drain the sweet potatoes well.
2. Cooking the Veggies:
While the sweet potatoes are boiling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
3. Browning the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks, making sure it’s browned and cooked through.
4. Adding Veggies and Simmering:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the diced carrot, peas, and corn. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes until the veggies begin to soften. Now add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the filling thickens slightly.
5. Making the Sweet Potato Mash:
In a bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes with the butter and milk (if using) until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
6. Assembling the Pie:
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, layer the sweet potato mash over the meat mixture, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Baking Time:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potato topping is slightly golden and the filling is bubbly. You can keep an eye on it to get the perfect browning!
8. Serving It Up:
Once baked, remove the shepherd’s pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh finish.
Enjoy this comforting Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie warm, paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal! 🥗🍽️
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness, regular potatoes will work perfectly fine. Just use the same amount, boil until tender, and mash them with butter and milk for the topping.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. Also, ensure your broth is vegetable-based instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian option.
Can I Prepare This Shepherd’s Pie in Advance?
Yes, you can make the filling and the sweet potato mash ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, assemble everything and bake! Just note that it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if starting from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.