This warm and comforting Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is packed with flavor! It features a hearty meat filling topped with creamy, delicious sweet potatoes. Yum!
I love how the sweet potatoes add a nice twist to the traditional shepherd’s pie. It’ll make your taste buds dance! Plus, it’s an easy dish to make for family dinners. 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, giving a sweet and creamy texture. If you need a substitute, mashed regular potatoes can work, but you’ll miss out on that unique flavor!
Ground Meat: I like using ground beef, but lamb is traditional. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives are great too.
Onions and Garlic: These aromatics build a flavorful base. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder, though fresh is always better!
Tomato Paste: This adds depth to the meat mixture. If you don’t have any, try using ketchup or crushed tomatoes instead!
How Can You Make Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
For wonderfully creamy mashed sweet potatoes, it’s all about cooking them properly and mashing them well. Start by boiling the sweet potatoes until they’re tender. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and let them sit a minute to remove extra moisture.
- Add butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper before mashing.
- Use a potato masher or a ricer for the smoothest texture!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb for traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 45-60 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Next, place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a large pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and set the sweet potatoes aside.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Mash:
In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes with the butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until they are smooth and creamy. Set this fluffy mix aside while you prepare your meat filling.
3. Cook the Meat Filling:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Meat:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Let this cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Combine with Corn and Beef Broth:
Stir in the beef broth and corn kernels, mixing until everything is well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
6. Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie:
Take a baking dish and transfer the meat filling to it, spreading it out evenly. Next, carefully spread the creamy sweet potato mash over the top, making sure to cover the filling completely. Add a few pats of butter on top of the sweet potatoes for extra richness!
7. Bake Your Pie:
Pop the assembled pie into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is slightly browned and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take the shepherd’s pie out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Grab your fork and dig in—enjoy your hearty and delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use regular mashed potatoes for a classic shepherd’s pie. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as needed—regular potatoes usually take about 15-20 minutes to boil until tender.
What Meat Alternatives Can I Use?
If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based ground meat; just ensure it’s properly seasoned for flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat filling and mash the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
