This is cozy food, plain and simple. Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping is one of those meals that feels like a hug. You’ve got tender ground beef and veggies in a savory sauce, all tucked under creamy mashed sweet potatoes. It’s hearty, wholesome, and makes amazing leftovers. I’ve made it dozens of times, and every single time it disappears fast.
Why I Love This Recipe
This was one of those “clean out the fridge” dinners that ended up being something I wanted to make again and again. It feels like comfort food, but the sweet potato twist adds something extra.
- It’s warm, filling, and super flavorful
- The sweet potato topping is creamy with a hint of sweetness
- You can make it ahead and reheat it
- It’s a great way to use simple pantry and freezer staples
What You’ll Need
For the sweet potato topping:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the meat filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Servings + Time
Serves: 4–6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Substitutions + Variations
- Use mashed white potatoes or cauliflower instead of sweet potato
- Add corn or green beans to the veggie mix
- Swap beef broth with veggie broth
- Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Try it in individual ramekins for a fun twist
Tools Needed
- Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
- Skillet for cooking beef mixture
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or fork
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish
Make Ahead Tips
- The beef filling and sweet potato mash can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored separately
- Assemble the whole dish and keep in the fridge until ready to bake
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Add 2 large peeled and diced sweet potatoes to a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil, then cook for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Return drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup milk, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Beef and Veggies
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Add 1 diced onion and 2 diced carrots. Cook another 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add Seasoning and Simmer
Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup beef broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1 cup frozen peas at the end.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the beef and veggie filling into a baking dish. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly over the top, smoothing with a spoon.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, until the top is golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
Leftovers + Storage
Cover and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave. You can also freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Macros (Per Serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Sweet potatoes add fiber and natural sweetness to balance the savory beef filling. Mashing them with butter and milk creates a soft, creamy topping that browns beautifully in the oven. Simmering the beef with tomato paste and broth builds deep flavor in just a few minutes, and layering everything gives you a great texture contrast in each bite.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the sweet potatoes: They should be fork-tender, not mushy.
- Not seasoning the layers: Salt both the filling and the mash for full flavor.
- Rushing the simmer time: Letting the beef mixture reduce a bit helps concentrate the flavor.
- Spreading the mash too thick: Aim for an even layer so it heats through evenly.
What to Serve With
- A simple green salad
- Garlic green beans or roasted broccoli
- Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A splash of hot sauce if you like some heat
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes! Just add a little extra seasoning since those meats are leaner.
Do I need to bake it?
You can eat it right after layering, but baking brings it all together and adds texture to the topping.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yep! Use plant-based butter and milk for the topping.
Can I freeze it?
Totally. Freeze fully assembled before baking. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F until hot.
Wrap-Up
Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping is one of those meals that feels like home. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with real ingredients that make you feel good. Give it a try, and when you do, drop a comment to let me know how it turned out or what twist you added — I’d love to hear about it!