Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

When the weather turns chilly, nothing satisfies quite like a comforting dish of Shepherd’s Pie. But in our home, we’ve given this classic dish a wholesome makeover by swapping traditional mashed potatoes for creamy, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes.

The slight sweetness of the topping perfectly complements the savory, herbed meat and vegetable filling. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but packs in a dose of hearty nutrition. My kids love the vibrant color and delicious flavor, and I love knowing I’m serving a meal full of comforting goodness.

This recipe has become a staple in our home, perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family gathering.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes! Ground beef, turkey, lamb, or even chicken work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the meat with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Shepherd’s Pie up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A: If sweet potatoes aren’t your preference, you can easily use regular mashed potatoes for a more traditional flavor.

What You Need to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Topping:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Topping

1. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the carrots, peas, corn, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Transfer the filling to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is slightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

• Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sweet potato layer for an extra indulgent finish.
• Boost Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to the meat mixture for a deeper flavor.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Swap dried thyme for fresh thyme or rosemary for a more vibrant flavor.
• Mix It Up: Add chopped mushrooms or diced zucchini to the filling for added vegetables.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is a game changer! The sweet potatoes add so much flavor. My family couldn’t get enough!” – Lisa

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this with ground turkey, and it turned out fantastic. Definitely making it again!” – Andrew

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I’m vegetarian, so I swapped the meat for lentils, and it was delicious. So hearty and satisfying!” – Rachel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The sweet potatoes were such a nice twist on the classic version. Love this recipe!” – Sarah

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy to make and absolutely delicious. My kids even asked for seconds!” – Michelle

Printable Recipe

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

A wholesome twist on a classic comfort food, this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie combines savory meat and vegetable filling with creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Print

Ingredients

• For the Sweet Potato Topping:
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or milk alternative)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Topping

1. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
3. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the carrots, peas, corn, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Transfer the filling to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the top, smoothing with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is slightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie brought a little extra comfort to your dinner table, why not share it with your friends and family? Post a photo on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook, and tag me to show off your creation. Let’s inspire more people to try this wholesome twist on a classic dish!