Gather your loved ones around the table for a cozy, comforting meal with this Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Sweet Potato Topping. This classic dish gets a delicious modern twist, blending savory ground meat, tender vegetables, and a creamy sweet potato topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Sweet Potato Topping
This Hearty Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate in comfort food. The rich, savory filling is packed with ground meat, tender vegetables, and bold seasonings, while the mashed sweet potato topping adds a delightful sweetness and creamy texture that complements the savory base perfectly. It’s a cozy, satisfying dish that’s sure to warm you from the inside out. Plus, the make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature of this recipe make it a breeze to prepare, so you can enjoy a hot, homemade meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in this Hearty Shepherd’s Pie include ground meat (such as beef or lamb), onions, carrots, peas, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices. For the topping, you’ll need sweet potatoes, butter, milk, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- 1 lb (450g) – Ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, diced – For savory aromatics
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced – For texture and sweetness
- 1 cup (150g) frozen peas – For a pop of color and freshness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – To add depth of flavor
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb (for a leaner option)
- Dairy-Free Topping: Substitute unsweetened almond or oat milk for the regular milk (for a dairy-free version)
How to Make Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Sweet Potato Topping
Follow these easy, chef-tested steps for a delicious Shepherd’s Pie that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes, then place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the Shepherd’s Pie from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, if desired. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with your loved ones!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add Heartiness: For a heartier version, you can add diced potatoes or mushrooms to the filling.
- Creamy Topping: To make the mashed sweet potato topping extra creamy, stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Customize Flavors: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, oregano, or smoked paprika, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian version. For a vegan Shepherd’s Pie, use a plant-based milk alternative in the sweet potato topping and omit the Worcestershire sauce.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This Shepherd’s Pie is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire recipe, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Sweet Potato Topping provides a hearty and nutritious meal. It’s a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The sweet potato topping also adds a boost of beta-carotene and other antioxidants.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Shepherd’s Pie is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire recipe, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Can I freeze this Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, this recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! If you prefer a traditional Shepherd’s Pie, you can use mashed russet or Yukon Gold potatoes instead of the sweet potato topping. The cooking method would remain the same.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Hearty Shepherd’s Pie is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether. The filling and sweet potato topping are all naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. For a vegan Shepherd’s Pie, use a plant-based milk alternative in the sweet potato topping and omit the Worcestershire sauce.
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Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Sweet Potato Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This hearty shepherd’s pie features a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for cozy dinners!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup peas
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk and butter, set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
6. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly on top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is slightly golden.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
You can add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor.
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: shepherd’s pie, comfort food, casserole