Delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty Shepherd’s Pie, and when you swap out the traditional mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes, it takes this classic dish to a whole new level.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes perfectly balances the savory filling, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients

This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is both hearty and flavorful, featuring a creamy sweet potato topping and a savory filling. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful dish.

For the Sweet Potato Topping

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or adjust for desired creaminess)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a little extra warmth

• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie. Follow these steps for a perfectly comforting dish.

Prep

1. Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping 2 large sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly.
2. Ground Meat: If using ground beef or lamb, measure out 1 pound and set aside.
3. Vegetables: Dice 1 medium onion and chop 2 medium carrots into small pieces. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.
4. Herbs and Seasonings: Gather 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup of beef broth, and optional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor.

1. Cook Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, add the chopped sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and return them to the pot.
2. Make Sweet Potato Mash: Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup of milk to the sweet potatoes. Mash until smooth. For a hint of warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon if desired. Set this aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and chopped carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Cook Meat: Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, which should take about 7-10 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in the beef broth, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add the peas and fresh herbs if using, and stir to combine.
6. Layer and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the savory meat and vegetable mixture evenly. Top with the sweet potato mash, smoothing it out with a spatula. Use a fork to create peaks on the topping for added texture.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the top is slightly golden and crispy.

Directions

Make the Sweet Potato Topping

1. Begin by peeling and chopping 2 large sweet potatoes into chunks.
2. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
3. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
4. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Mash them with 3 tablespoons of butter and ¼ cup of milk until creamy. If desired, stir in ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a hint of warmth.
6. Set the sweet potato topping aside while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 pound of ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain any excess fat and return the meat to the skillet.
3. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of frozen peas, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a greased baking dish, pour the savory filling and spread it evenly across the bottom.
3. Carefully spoon the sweet potato topping over the filling, spreading it out to cover completely. Use a fork to create a textured surface for a crispy finish.

1. Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potato topping is golden and crispy.
2. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
3. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie!

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie. It brings comfort and warmth to the table while offering a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and savory filling creates a delicious harmony that’s hard to resist.

I love how easy it is to prepare and how it can be customized to suit my taste. Whether I’m sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, this dish never fails to satisfy. So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, give this recipe a try. You won’t regret it!

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