This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for any day. It features a flavorful mix of veggies and meat, all topped with creamy sweet potatoes!
Honestly, who can resist that sweet and fluffy topping? I love how comforting it feels on chilly nights. Just bake, serve, and enjoy—it’s like a hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and creaminess. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you could use regular potatoes, but the flavor will change. I find sweet potatoes give a lovely color and taste!
Ground Beef/Lamb: Ground beef is traditional, but lamb adds a rich flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, lean ground turkey or chicken works well too. Vegetarian? Try lentils or a mix of mushrooms and beans!
Mixed Vegetables: I love using frozen mixed veggies for ease, but fresh veggies like carrots, peas, and green beans are great too. You can also sneak in some spinach for extra nutrients!
Milk/Cream: For a creamier mash, regular milk works fine. You can also use plant-based milk like almond or soy if you’re dairy-free. Coconut milk gives an interesting taste twist!
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Creamy?
To achieve that smooth and fluffy sweet potato mash, follow these steps:
- After cooking the sweet potatoes until tender, drain well to remove excess water.
- Add butter while they’re still hot—this helps everything melt together nicely.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic texture, or a hand mixer for a super creamy finish. Just be careful not to overmix, or they can get gummy.
Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. Taste it—you can always adjust the seasoning!
How to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake. The total cooking time is around 35 minutes, plus some time to boil the sweet potatoes. It’s a simple and hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s ready for your delicious pie when it’s assembled.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large pot, add the chopped sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. You can check by piercing them with a fork—if they slide off easily, they are done!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
4. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and cook until it’s browned through, about 7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat from the pan!
5. Mix in the Flavor:
Stir the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture. Let this cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
6. Add the Vegetables:
Now, add the frozen mixed vegetables and beef broth to the cooked meat mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens up a bit. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is where you can add more salt or pepper!
7. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash:
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them well and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk (or cream), mashing them until they’re smooth and creamy. Give it a good taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking!
8. Assemble the Pie:
Take the meat and veggie mixture and pour it into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, dollop the creamy sweet potato mash on top, smoothing it out to cover the filling completely.
9. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the filling is bubbling up around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for that lovely pop of color, then serve warm. Enjoy your homemade Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes! Just keep in mind that the flavor will be less sweet and the color will change. Prepare them in the same way—boil, mash, and season!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, scoop portions into a microwave-safe dish and warm until heated through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed all the way through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the ground meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of beans. Just be sure to add extra seasonings to keep the flavors robust!
How Can I Thicken the Filling?
If you find the filling is too runny, you can thicken it by simmering it a little longer to reduce the liquid or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and cooking until thickened.
