This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish that uses creamy sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes. It’s filled with tasty vegetables and hearty ground meat!
The sweet potato topping is a fun twist that adds a hint of sweetness. I love how colorful it looks and how comforting it feels on a chilly day! Perfect for sharing with family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These add a lovely sweetness and creaminess to the dish. If you want a similar texture, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin as a substitute.
Ground Meat: While I prefer ground beef for its flavor, ground turkey or lentils work well too for a lighter or vegetarian option. Lentils add great texture!
Tomato Paste: This gives a depth of flavor, but you can substitute with ketchup in a pinch if needed. It will taste a bit sweeter.
Broth: Beef broth is traditional, but vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version. Just check the salt level if you’re watching sodium intake!
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add a comforting aroma. Fresh herbs could be used for an even more vibrant flavor. I often use fresh if I have it on hand!
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Creamy?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture for your sweet potato topping, boiling them is key. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. The salt helps enhance the sweetness!
- Drain the sweet potatoes well to remove excess water before mashing. This prevents the topping from being watery.
- Mix them with butter and a bit of milk (or cream) while mashing. I like to use a hand mixer for extra creaminess!
These tips will help you get a smooth and velvety topping that pairs wonderfully with the savory meat filling!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sweet Potato Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, making a total time of approximately 40 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your shepherd’s pie when you finish assembling it!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large pot, add the chopped sweet potatoes and cover them with salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook until they are tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes in the pot with butter and milk until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste, and then set them aside.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft, around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for another minute. Next, add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add Flavor and Vegetable:
Once the meat is browned, stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you’re using corn and peas, add those now, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Assemble the Pie:
In a baking dish, spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, spoon the creamy mashed sweet potatoes over the top and spread them out to cover the filling completely.
6. Bake Until Golden:
Place the assembled shepherd’s pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be slightly golden and to see bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of color. Enjoy this cozy twist on shepherd’s pie with its sweet potato topping!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Just follow the same boiling and mashing process for a classic shepherd’s pie topping.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute like veggie ground meat. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth as well!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and sweet potato topping ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them and pop them in the oven!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Shepherd’s Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave portions or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes.
