Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 380
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

Why Make This Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. The traditional meat filling, combined with the sweet and creamy topping of sweet potatoes, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a delightful addition to your dinner table. The sweet potato topping offers a healthier twist compared to regular mashed potatoes, adding fiber and vitamins while still delivering that comforting, creamy texture we all love. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients!

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets the perfect stage for baking your delicious Shepherd’s Pie, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots, then sauté until they’re softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a wonderful base for your meat mixture.

Step 3: Cooking the Meat

Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet, cooking until browned. Break up any large chunks with your spoon as it cooks. Season your mixture with dried thyme, salt, and pepper, and then stir in the peas. Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Preparing the Sweet Potato Topping

In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Boil until they’re tender, around 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and mash with milk and butter. The sweet potatoes should be smooth and creamy, inviting you to taste them immediately!

Step 5: Assembling the Pie

Spread the savory meat and vegetable mixture in a baking dish evenly. Then, top it off with your sweet potato mash, spreading it evenly across the meat layer, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 6: Baking

Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is heated through and slightly golden. The aroma wafting from your oven will be irresistible!

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Serve your Shepherd’s Pie warm from the oven, perhaps with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables on the side. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction can also enhance the dish, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes.

How to Store Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

To store leftovers, let them cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the Shepherd’s Pie (without baking) for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe dish. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight before baking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

• For added flavor, consider incorporating different herbs like rosemary or parsley into the meat mixture.
• Use a combination of sweet potatoes and regular potatoes for a more complex flavor.
• If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or paprika to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
• Make it vegetarian by substituting the meat with lentils or mushrooms!

Delicious Variations

• Top with Mashed Cauliflower: For a lighter option, use mashed cauliflower instead of sweet potatoes.
• Add Cheese: Stir in some cheddar cheese into the sweet potato mash for a creamy texture.
• Spice it up: Include some diced bell peppers or a spoonful of salsa for a bit of zest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb?
   Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works wonderfully in this dish.

2. What if I don’t have sweet potatoes?
   Regular potatoes can be used as a substitute, but they will change the flavor profile slightly, becoming less sweet.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Prepare it up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready to serve.

4. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are tender?
   You can test them by piercing with a fork; they should break apart easily when fully cooked.

5. Is Shepherd’s Pie freeze-friendly?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed when ready.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping is a heartwarming dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, creating a satisfying meal for family and friends. Its ease of preparation and comforting taste make it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. By making this delicious dish, you not only nourish your body but also your soul. So gather your ingredients, and give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

---

• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting Shepherd’s Pie featuring a savory meat filling topped with a sweet and creamy sweet potato mash.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots, sauté until softened (5-7 minutes).
3. Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, boil cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until tender (around 15 minutes). Drain, then mash with milk and butter until smooth.
5. Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish, then top with the sweet potato mash.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until heated through and slightly golden.

Notes

Serve warm with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg