Savory Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie (Printable Version)

A healthier take on the classic dish featuring savory ground meat and vegetables topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sweet Potato Topping

01 - 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup milk, dairy or plant-based
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

→ Savory Filling

06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 medium carrot, diced
10 - 1 celery stalk, diced
11 - 1 lb ground beef or lamb
12 - 1 cup frozen peas
13 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
14 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or gluten-free alternative
15 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
17 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
03 - Mash the sweet potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
05 - Add carrot and celery; cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
06 - Add ground beef or lamb; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
07 - Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and broth. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened.
08 - Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
09 - Spread the filling evenly in a 9-inch baking dish.
10 - Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the filling, spreading to cover evenly.
11 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is lightly golden and filling is bubbling.
12 - Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

# Chef's Tips:

01 -
  • The sweet and savory contrast between the creamy orange topping and rich filling creates a flavor harmony that regular shepherd's pie simply can't match.
  • It's one of those rare comfort foods that satisfies deeply without leaving you feeling weighted down, perfect for those nights when you need a hug in food form.
02 -
  • Don't rush the simmering stage of the filling, as that's when all the flavors meld together and the sauce develops its proper consistency.
  • The sweet potato topping spreads more easily if you dot it over the filling in small portions before attempting to spread it, rather than trying to spread one large mass.
03 -
  • Use a fork to create texture on the sweet potato topping before baking, as those ridges and valleys will caramelize beautifully and add textural contrast.
  • Let the finished pie rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the filling to set slightly so it doesn't completely collapse when you scoop into it.

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