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Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

guess4pink

Updated: Mar 2

Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food, and this version with creamy mashed sweet potatoes adds a delicious twist to the classic. It’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor.


sweet potato shepherd's pie in a glass casserole dish. corn, carrots, and ground beef are visible in the slice.
Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie


Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Recipe

  • Easy & Quick: Uses simple ingredients and is ready in under an hour

  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping and storing for busy weeknights

  • Naturally Sweet & Savory: The sweetness of the mashed potatoes perfectly complements the savory beef filling

  • Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal planning

  • Comfort Food Classic: A warm, hearty dish that satisfies cravings without being overly heavy


Cooking Tips & Tricks

  • Drain the Sweet Potatoes Well: Too much moisture can make the topping runny instead of creamy

  • Use a Fork to Create Texture: Before baking, run a fork over the mashed sweet potatoes for crispy edges

  • Let the Filling Thicken: Simmer the beef mixture long enough to prevent a watery consistency

  • Broil for a Golden Crust: A few minutes under the broiler creates a perfectly caramelized, crispy topping

  • Rest Before Serving: Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool slightly before cutting to let the layers set.


Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 30 mins. | Serves: 12


Ingredients:

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 sweet potatoes

  • 4 T. butter

  • 1/2 c. milk

  • 3/4 tsp. salt

  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

  • 1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Ground Beef & Vegetable Filling

  • 2 T. canola oil

  • 1 c. Onion, finely chopped

  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced

  • 3 cloves garlic

  • 1-1/2 lbs. ground beef, 80/20

  • 3 T. tomato paste

  • 2 T. all-purpose flour

  • 2 T. Worcestershire sauce

  • 1-1/2 c Better than Bouillon, or beef broth

  • 1/4 tsp. dried thyme

  • 3/4 tsp. salt, to taste

  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

  • 1-1/2 c frozen mixed vegetables


Let's Get Started!

  1. Boil the sweet potatoes: peel and cube sweet potatoes and add to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring potatoes to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, uncovered. When you can pierce potatoes easily with a fork, drain in colander (3 sweet potatoes)

  2. Mash the sweet potatoes with a masher or a fork, add in butter, milk salt, pepper and garlic powder.

    (4 T. butter, ½ c. milk, ¾ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. pepper, 1/8 tsp. garlic powder

  3. Sauté' Vegetables: Place a large skillet over a medium heat, add oil, onions, and celery. Cook for 4 minutes, then add garlic. Continue cooking for 1 minute. Move to a separate dish. (2 T. oil, 1 c. onions, 2 ribs of celery, 3 cloves garlic)

  4. Cook the Ground Beef for 8 minutes or until beef is cooked through.(1-1/2 lbs. ground beef)

    Mix in sauteed onions, celery, and garlic.

  5. Add tomato paste and flour. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Add herbs, salt, pepper and frozen mixed vegetables and continue simmering until it is heated through.(sauteed onions/celery/garlic, 3 T. tomato paste, 2 T. all-purpose flour, 2 T. Worcestershire sauce, 1-1/2 c beef broth, 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, 3/4 salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1-1/2 c. frozen vegetables)

  6. Spray an 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and spread the ground beef filling mixture in the bottom. Spread mashed sweet potatoes all over the ground beef filling.

  7. Bake the shepherd's pie in a 400-degree oven for 25 minutes. Turn the broiler on and broil for 3 minutes to get the top extra crispy.

  8. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and enjoy!!


Jazz It Up!

  • Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different take

  • Add More Veggies: Throw in diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients



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