Imagine transforming your classic shepherd’s pie with the sweet, velvety richness of mashed sweet potatoes.
As you layer seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and peas, all simmered in a rich broth, the aroma fills the kitchen.
Topping it off with creamy sweet potatoes creates a golden, bubbly masterpiece.
It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave comfort.
Curious about the secret to achieving that perfect balance of flavors?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 large frying pan
- 1 potato masher
- 1 baking dish
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, follow this timeline:
Preparation and Cook Timeline
- Start: 0 minutes
- Reading & Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes): Begin by reading the entire recipe to understand the steps. Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- 5 minutes:
- Preheat Oven & Start Sweet Potatoes (5 minutes): Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin boiling sweet potatoes in salted water in a large saucepan.
- 10 minutes:
- Prep Vegetables (10 minutes): While waiting for sweet potatoes to boil, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the carrots.
- 20 minutes:
- Cook Vegetables & Beef (15 minutes): Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
Add carrots and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add ground beef, cook until browned, then stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer.
- 35 minutes:
- Mash Sweet Potatoes (10 minutes): Drain the cooked sweet potatoes using a colander. Return them to the saucepan, add milk and butter, and mash until smooth.
- 45 minutes:
- Combine & Layer (5 minutes): Stir frozen peas into the beef mixture. Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed sweet potatoes, smoothing with a spoon.
- 50 minutes:
- Bake (25 minutes): Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden.
- 75 minutes:
- Rest & Serve (10 minutes): Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Total Time: 85 minutes
This timeline should help you manage your time efficiently while preparing the Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, ensuring each component is cooked properly and ready to serve.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large saucepan, boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender.
While sweet potatoes are boiling, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the frying pan, sauté until softened.
Add carrots to the frying pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Add ground beef to the frying pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Let the beef mixture simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in frozen peas.
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes using a colander and return them to the saucepan.
Add milk and butter to the sweet potatoes, and mash until smooth.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
Top the beef mixture with the mashed sweet potatoes, smoothing with a spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the top is golden.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the shepherd’s pie.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to scoop up the hearty filling.
- Steamed Green Beans: Add a side of vibrant green beans for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The nutty aroma of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs well with the savory pie.
- Pickled Red Onions: Offer a tangy contrast with pickled red onions to brighten the flavors.
Storage
To store Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheat before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, allow it to cool completely.
Then, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Label with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
Or until heated through.
Enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Creating a Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a rewarding experience that combines rich flavors and comforting textures.
With a delightful blend of savory beef and creamy sweet potatoes, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning to guarantee each layer is flavorful.
Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Another Protein?
Absolutely, you can swap ground beef with turkey or lamb for a twist in flavor. Turkey brings a leaner taste, while lamb adds richness. Experiment with your choice to create a Shepherd’s Pie that’s uniquely yours!
What Pairs Well With Sweet Potato Shepherd’S Pie?
You’ll discover a crisp green salad with vinaigrette wonderfully complements the pie’s richness. Try adding roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots for a harmonious balance. A chilled glass of Pinot Noir enhances the dish’s savory notes.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, swap ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. Sauté mushrooms for added umami. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Guarantee layers are seasoned well, creating a heartwarming, flavorful experience with each bite.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. The ingredients naturally don’t contain gluten. Make certain your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten. Immerse yourself in this comforting dish, savoring its rich flavors without a gluten worry.
Can I Add Additional Spices for Flavor?
Absolutely, you can enhance the flavors by adding spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika. These will infuse the dish with aromatic depth, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece that’ll delight your taste buds. Enjoy experimenting!
Sweet Potato Shepards Pie
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan
- 1 large frying pan
- 1 potato masher
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 colander
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large saucepan, boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender.
- While sweet potatoes are boiling, heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the frying pan, sauté until softened.
- Add carrots to the frying pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the frying pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Let the beef mixture simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in frozen peas.
- Drain the cooked sweet potatoes using a colander and return them to the saucepan.
- Add milk and butter to the sweet potatoes, and mash until smooth.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Top the beef mixture with the mashed sweet potatoes, smoothing with a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the top is golden.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
