This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish piled high with fluffy sweet potatoes and a savory filling of veggies and meat. It’s comfort food that warms the heart!
Let’s be real, sweet potatoes are the true stars here! They add a nice sweetness that balances the savory filling. I love making this for family dinners—everyone goes back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, offering a creamy texture and natural sweetness. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, yams can work too, but they’re slightly different in taste and texture.
Ground Beef: Although traditional shepherd’s pie uses lamb, I prefer ground beef for its mild flavor and accessibility. You can also use turkey or a plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Frozen mixed veggies are super convenient! Instead, consider using fresh vegetables like carrots and peas, or any seasonal veggies you have on hand. They add great texture and flavor!
Milk: I recommend whole milk for making the sweet potato mash creamy. You could substitute with almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free options, but adjust the quantity based on your preferred consistency.
How Do You Get Super Creamy Sweet Potato Mash?
The magic behind silky sweet potato mash is all in the technique. Here’s how to achieve that smooth, creamy consistency:
- After boiling the sweet potatoes, drain them well. Excess water can make the mash runny.
- Add butter while the sweet potatoes are still hot. This helps the butter melt and blend easily.
- Gradually add the milk as you mash, stopping when you reach your desired consistency. Too much milk can lead to a thin mash.
For an extra touch, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor. This really lifts the dish!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk (or as needed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (e.g., corn, peas, carrots)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup beef broth
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie takes about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 25-30 minutes of cooking and baking time. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour for this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help your pie get nice and bubbly when it’s baking!
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, then cover them with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes afterward.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
In a mixing bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes together with the unsalted butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Feel free to add more milk if you like it creamier. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until they are softened, around 3-4 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the Meat:
Now, add the ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off.
6. Mix in the Vegetables and Flavorings:
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Add the Beef Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer until it thickens a bit, about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
8. Assemble the Pie:
Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in the bottom of a baking dish. Then, spoon and spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
9. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is slightly golden and the edges are bubbling happily.
10. Let It Rest:
Once baked, remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Dive in and enjoy your hearty, flavorful Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Of course! If you prefer traditional mashed potatoes, you can substitute the sweet potatoes with an equal amount of russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Just cook, mash, and season the same way!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian option, simply replace the ground beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully plant-based.
Can I Freeze Leftover Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes! Once cooled, you can store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to the Filling?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for firmer vegetables.
