Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

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By Millie Pham

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
Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

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.

Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

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!

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