This cozy Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a heartwarming dish filled with seasoned veggies and topped with creamy sweet potato mash. It’s a colorful meal that’s both tasty and comforting!
Who knew sweet potatoes could be so fun? I love the bright color they add and how they make everything taste a bit sweeter. Serve it hot, and you’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Their natural sweetness adds a lovely flavor. If you want a twist, butternut squash or regular potatoes can work too, but they won’t have the same sweetness.
Ground Beef: I prefer using ground beef for its flavor. However, you can easily substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option or use a plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
Vegetables: The combination of onion, carrots, and celery gives great texture and flavor. You could also try adding bell peppers or peas if you have them on hand.
Herbs & Spices: Thyme and rosemary complement the meat nicely. If you want something different, fresh herbs work well too. Just remember to adjust the amounts since fresh herbs are usually stronger.
Milk and Butter: For mashing sweet potatoes, you can substitute milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.
How Do I Make the Perfect Sweet Potato Mash?
The mash is crucial for topping your Shepherd’s Pie. Here’s how to get it creamy and smooth:
- After boiling, make sure to drain your sweet potatoes well to avoid excess moisture.
- Add butter and milk while the potatoes are still warm for the best integration.
- Mash them until smooth; a potato ricer gives extra fluffiness if you have one.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for the perfect balance.
Remember, the mash should be thick enough to hold its shape but creamy enough to spread easily over the meat mixture!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, take your chopped sweet potatoes and place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring the pot to a boil, and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re done, drain the water and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
While your sweet potatoes are cooking, grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these ingredients together until they are soft and fragrant, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or lamb) to your skillet. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, using a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Flavor it Up:
Now, stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow those flavors to blend together by cooking for 1 minute. It will smell amazing!
5. Create the Filling:
Add the tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Let this mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash:
In a separate bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes together with the butter and milk until everything is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure it’s just right.
7. Assemble the Pie:
In a baking dish, spoon the hearty meat mixture evenly as the base layer. Then, spread the creamy sweet potato mash on top, using a spatula to smooth it out nicely.
8. Bake:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be lightly golden and the filling to be bubbly. It will come out looking delicious!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley or rosemary on top for a lovely garnish. Now, dig in and enjoy your warming and flavorful Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef or lamb is traditional, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian dish, try using lentils or a meat substitute!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and mash a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble them in the baking dish and bake as directed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quick option.
Can I Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Assemble the pie, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake it as directed.