This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy dish that’s perfect for chilly nights. It’s topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and packed with tasty veggies and savory meat.
The sweet potato topping is not just colorful, it adds a lovely sweetness that makes this dish special. I love that it’s like getting a hug from your dinner! 🥰
Making this pie is easy! Just prepare the filling, spread it in a dish, top with the sweet potato mash, and bake. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy comfort food with a twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They give a delightful sweetness and creamy texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes work too, but the flavor will be a bit different. You can also try butternut squash for a similar sweet flavor.
Ground Meat: Beef or lamb are traditional, but you can use turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, consider lentils or black beans as your base.
Vegetables: Carrots and peas add great texture and color. Feel free to swap them for whatever you have, like green beans, corn, or zucchini. Fresh or frozen veggies both work well!
Tomato Paste: It adds richness; however, you could use crushed tomatoes or a dash of soy sauce for a different depth of flavor.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary bring lovely aroma. If you only have dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount stated. Italian seasoning can also substitute nicely.
How Do I Get the Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Making creamy mashed sweet potatoes is essential for this dish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After boiling the sweet potatoes, drain them well to avoid watery mash.
- Add butter and warm milk for creaminess. Start with 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of milk, adjusting to your taste.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to really enhance the flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a hint of maple syrup or brown sugar if you like them sweeter!
Take your time mashing until smooth; a potato ricer can help get that perfect consistency!
Delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sweet Potato Topping:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1 cup carrots, finely diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For Flavor:
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven, plus some time for boiling the sweet potatoes. In total, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes from start to finish. A perfect choice for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the pie!
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and let them cook until they’re tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily poke a fork through them.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and place them back in the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash them together until they’re smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Set the mash aside while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re softened and fragrant.
5. Brown the Meat:
Next, add your ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up, cooking until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
6. Add the Vegetables:
Stir in your diced carrots, peas, and corn (if using). Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.
7. Mix in the Flavorings:
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Assemble the Pie:
Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. Next, spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the filling and spread it out gently. You can create some texture on top with a fork by making fun ridges or swirls!
9. Bake the Pie:
Place your assembled pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbling around the edges.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with some fresh thyme leaves on top. Now it’s ready to enjoy!
Dig into your delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie and savor every bite of this heartwarming meal! Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Substitute Regular Potatoes for Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can definitely use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes! Just peel and cube them the same way, but keep in mind the flavor will be less sweet, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to taste.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To convert this Shepherd’s Pie into a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You can also add some beans for protein!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and sweet potato mash, then assemble the pie but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just bake from the refrigerator and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
