Gather your loved ones around the table for a comforting and flavorful feast with this Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie. This dish is a modern twist on a classic, combining tender beef, savory vegetables, and a creamy sweet potato topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
This hearty casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings. The combination of juicy beef, earthy sweet potatoes, and a blend of aromatic vegetables creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that will warm your soul. The creamy, melty topping adds a luscious, indulgent element that takes this shepherd’s pie to the next level. With chef-tested steps and reliable results, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie features a delicious blend of wholesome, flavorful ingredients. The star of the show is the tender, seasoned beef, complemented by a mix of carrots, onions, and peas. The creamy, velvety sweet potato topping adds a subtly sweet and comforting touch.
- 2 lbs – Peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 1 cup – Diced onions
- 2 cups – Diced carrots
- 1 cup – Frozen peas
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles (for a leaner or vegetarian option)
- Vegetables: Corn or green beans (to suit your tastes)
How to Make Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Begin by prepping the ingredients and setting up your workstation. This hearty shepherd’s pie comes together in four easy steps for a comforting and delicious meal.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, then bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender. Drain and set aside. Next, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the diced onions, carrots, and peas, and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In the same skillet, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of warm spices. Simmer the mixture until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens. Meanwhile, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a baking dish, then spread the creamy sweet potato topping over the top. Smooth the surface and use a fork to create a decorative pattern. Bake the shepherd’s pie at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Topping: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese into the sweet potato topping or sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top before baking.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to infuse the dish with an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Potato Addition: For an even heartier dish, consider adding cooked, diced potatoes to the beef and vegetable mixture.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms, and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives for the sweet potato topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Reheat: When ready to serve, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dish in advance and bake it just before serving. Assemble the shepherd’s pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
This Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a wholesome and nourishing dish, packed with protein from the beef, complex carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes, and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Each serving provides a satisfying and balanced meal, making it a great choice for a cozy and indulgent comfort food option.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 38 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this shepherd’s pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and bake it just before serving. Assemble the shepherd’s pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! If you prefer a classic shepherd’s pie, you can use regular potatoes for the topping instead of sweet potatoes. The cooking method will remain the same.
Can I freeze this shepherd’s pie?
Yes, this shepherd’s pie freezes exceptionally well. Bake the dish as directed, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Is this shepherd’s pie gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, always double-check the labels of any pre-made ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives for the sweet potato topping.
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Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
This Hearty Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef and topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Perfect for family dinners and meal prep!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups carrots, diced
– 1 cup peas
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
3. 3. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
4. 4. Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. 5. Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
6. 6. Drain and mash sweet potatoes with milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
7. 7. Spread the beef mixture in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with mashed sweet potatoes.
8. 8. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is slightly golden. Serve warm.
Notes
For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
This dish can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: shepherds pie, beef, sweet potato, comfort food