Beef Shepherds Pie Sweet Potato (Printable version)
Comforting, flavorful twist on classic shepherds pie, with savory ground beef, vegetables, and creamy sweet potato mash.
# Ingredient list:
→ For the Sweet Potato Mash
01 - 3.3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For the Beef Filling
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 2 medium carrots, diced
10 - 2 celery stalks, diced
11 - 1.65 pounds ground beef
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1 cup frozen peas
17 - 1 cup beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
18 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Place sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until very tender.
03 - Drain the cooked sweet potatoes. Mash them with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
04 - While sweet potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
05 - Add ground beef to the skillet; cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
06 - Stir in tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
07 - Add frozen peas, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
08 - Transfer the beef mixture to a large baking dish.
09 - Evenly spread the sweet potato mash over the beef filling.
10 - Use a fork to create decorative ridges on the mash for a crispy finish.
11 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
12 - Allow the pie to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's a comforting hug in a dish, perfect for those evenings when you need something hearty yet secretly healthy.
- The sweet potato topping adds an unexpected layer of flavor and a lovely creamy texture that makes it feel extra special.
02 -
- Don't be shy with seasoning the sweet potato mash; a little extra salt and pepper truly brings out its natural sweetness and depth.
- Let the beef filling simmer long enough for the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly; patience here is rewarded with incredible depth.
03 -
- Creating those little fork ridges on top of the sweet potato mash isn't just for looks; it helps create beautiful crispy peaks as it bakes.
- Resist the urge to cut into it immediately after pulling it from the oven; letting the pie rest for 5-10 minutes allows the filling to settle and makes for cleaner slices.