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Home » Recipes » All Recipes

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Last Modified: Apr 10, 2024. Originally Published: Mar 21, 2024 by Janessa.

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A sweet potato take on a classic casserole, this Shepherd's Pie recipe comes together quickly and easily. The wholesome and flavorful veggie packed ground meat filling is topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a simple weeknight dinner.

Jump to:
  • The Ingredients
  • The Method
  • Make Ahead and Meal Prep
  • Leftovers and Storage
  • Make it Your Own
  • Serving Ideas
  • Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
  • And if you liked this recipe...
  • Recipe Card
  • Comments
Sweet potato cottage pie dished out on a plate with a baking dish in the background.

If you grew up loving shepherd's pie, then you have to make this version.

Familiar in a way that will grab you on the first bite thanks to the savory meat filling and creamy toppings (just like in this no-bake recipe).

Yet unexpectedly delicious in a way that will make you reach for the seconds thanks to the addition of chili powder and the sweet potato topping, it may quickly become a regular in your rotation.

Plus it's:

  • Healthy- Packed with several different vegetables and other nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes (a source of a variety of vitamins and minerals) and lean protein, this shepherd's pie offers a wholesome twist on a comfort food favorite. Perfect for an all-in-one balanced meal.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep- Freezer friendly and excellent as leftovers, whip up a batch of this shepherd's pie ahead of time for a convenient and delicious meal when you need it. All you'll have to do is put it in the oven.
  • Classic Comfort Food with a Fun Twist- With a hearty filling and creamy sweet potato topping, this dish is sure to satisfy your family's cravings for cozy comfort food.

The Ingredients

Ingredients for sweet potato shepherd's pie.
  • Sweet Potatoes- Sometimes labelled as "yams" at the grocery store (though if you're interested in what the difference actually is, check out this article), these most often orange-fleshed potatoes add a slightly sweet topping in place of regular potatoes.
    • You can also make this recipe with different colors of sweet potatoes such as white or purple. Or make it with regular potatoes instead.
  • Butter- Butter adds delicious flavor to the sweet potato topping. If you would prefer to make it without butter you can use Greek yogurt (like in these mashed potatoes) or sub good quality extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil for dairy free.
  • Lean Ground Beef- For best results, use extra lean ground beef so that your filling doesn't end up being too greasy. If you prefer, you can use ground lamb (as is traditionally used in shepherd's pie) or ground turkey or chicken.
  • Yellow onion- Red or white onion could be used if needed.
  • Vegetables: These are the combination of vegetables that I most often use for this recipe. However, this shepherds pie is extremely customizable so you can use whatever else you prefer. You need about 4-6 cups total.
    • Green Bell Pepper- Or any color of bell pepper will work.
    • Zucchini- A medium zucchini (½ lb) will yield about 2 cups chopped.
    • Carrots- Two large carrots (1 lb) which will yield about 2 cups diced.
  • Garlic- If needed, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh cloves.
  • Chili Powder- While not a traditional spice found in cottage or shepherd's pie, I love the ways its earthiness and slight spiciness complement the sweet flavor of the sweet potatoes. If you'd prefer to leave it out, you can, or sub with paprika.
    • Note: I'm referring to the chili powder spice blend (which includes, garlic. powder, cumin, etc.) not just ground chilies.
  • Dried Thyme- If you have fresh thyme, you can use 1 tablespoon chopped (about 2 sprigs). Rosemary is also delicious in this recipe.
  • Sea Salt- Table or kosher salt will work as well- adjust to taste.
  • Black Pepper

The Method

1. Make Sweet Potatoes. Add the sweet potatoes to a large pot and fill with enough water to cover by 1 inch.

Cover and bring to a boil, then remove the lid and reduce the heat to keep it at a low simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes until fork tender.

Drain and then use a hand masher and mash the chunks until smooth. Add in the butter and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper then set aside.

Mashed sweet potatoes in a pot.

2. Brown Meat. Meanwhile, as the sweet potatoes cook, add the ground beef, onion and vegetables to a large skillet.

Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring and crumbling, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are soft. Drain excess grease if needed.

Ground meat cooked with vegetables in a skillet.

3. Season. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the seasonings and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Spices  added to a skillet with meat and vegetables.

4. Assemble. Spread the meat mixture out evenly into a ~3 quart casserole dish (about 9x9x3 inch or 9x13x2 inch).

*Alternatively, if you used a large (10 inch diameter) oven safe skillet, you can spread the mixture out into that and use the same dish for baking. If going this route, place it onto a lined baking sheet in order to catch any bits that might bubble up and over the edges.

Meat filling in the bottom of a baking dish.

Scoop the mashed sweet potato mixture over top and spread into an even layer.

Sweet potatoes spread over top of the meat mixture in a casserole dish.

5. Bake. Cover with a lid (or aluminum foil) and bake at 375 F for 15 minutes until the filling is bubbling up into the sweet potatoes. I like to remove the lid for the last 5 minutes to allow the tops of the sweet potatoes to get ever so lightly browned.

Baked shepherd's pie in a baking dish.

6. Serve.

Make Ahead and Meal Prep

This is a great recipe for meal prep and to make ahead!

Meal Prep: You can layer the casserole into individual dishes and skip the baking step. Then just reheat the individual portions as you need them.

Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole, following the directions through up until baking but instead of baking, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.

**If freezing, refrigerate for a few hours first before moving to the freezer so that your dish doesn't break from the temperature shock of going from hot to freezing.

To Bake: When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Preheat the oven to 375 F and then bake for 35-45 minutes until the filling is heated through to 165 F.

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Store leftover sweet potato shepherd's pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Leftover sweet potato cottage pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: The whole pie can be covered with tin foil and reheated in the oven at 375 F for 30-40 minutes. Individual portions can also be heated in the oven (for about 15 minutes) or rewarmed in the microwave.

Shepherd's pie on a plate with a fork.

Make it Your Own

  • Swap the Vegetables- While I've included my favorite veggies for this version in the recipe card, you can make this with whatever you want. Some other veggies I like including are:
    • Green Beans
    • Spinach
    • Mushrooms
    • Peas
  • Use Frozen Veggies- For extra ease, you can use pre-chopped frozen vegetables instead (like I do in this no-bake recipe).
  • Use a Different Meat- While the recipe is written with ground beef (technically cottage pie), you can use ground lamb for a more classic Shepherd's pie or even make it with ground turkey or chicken (or make this Turkey Shepherd's Pie).
  • Make it Cheesy- If you'd like to include cheese, mix 1 cup of shredded cheese, such as cheddar, into the mashed sweet potatoes. You can also add ¼ cup of grated parmesan.
Two plates dished out with sweet potato shepherd's pie.

Serving Ideas

Sweet Potato Shepherd's pie is a great meal all on it's own (just like Buffalo Chicken and Potato Casserole) but if you'd like to serve it with something on the side, these are great options!

  • Vegetables: Sautéed Green Beans and Roasted Asparagus are both delicious.
  • Salad: Such as a simple Spinach Salad.
  • Bread: A slice of Sourdough Garlic Toast would be delish.
  • Dessert: Finish off your comfort food meal with a sweet treat such as Oat Flour Brownies or Cranberry Crisp.
Two dishes of sweet potato shepherd's pie.
What is the difference between Shepherd's Pie and Cottage Pie?

The main difference between shepherd's pie and cottage pie lies in the type of meat used in the dish. Both dishes feature a hearty meat filling topped with mashed potatoes but traditional shepherd's pie is made with lamb while cottage pie is typically made with beef.

However, in North America, the name Shepherd's Pie tends to be used for both.

And really, this version is kind of breaking all the rules for being called Shepherd's Pie since it uses ground beef and sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes. But no matter what you call it, it is absolutely delicious!

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

  • Use Extra Lean Ground Beef- Avoid an overly greasy meat pie by using lean meat and draining excess grease if needed. Alternatively, you can make it ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Cool in the Fridge- If making ahead, refrigerate after assembling and then move to the freezer once cooled. If you place the warm casserole dish immediately into the freezer, it could break from the temperature shock.
  • Avoid a Mess- If you are baking the pie in a large skillet, using tin foil instead of a lid or your casserole dish is full to the edges, place the dish onto a larger, lined baking sheet so that it catches any filling that might bubble up and over the edge.

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And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like:

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Recipe Card

Sweet potato shepherd's pie on a plate with a fork.

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

Comforting, cozy and packed with vegetables, this wholesome dinner is great for meal prep and busy weeknights. A sweet potato take on a classic casserole, it is sure to be a family favorite.
5 from 39 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 4
Calories: 446kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes large diced, about 6 cups
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 lb extra lean ground beef or ground lamb, turkey or chicken
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced, about 1 cup
  • 1 green bell pepper diced, about 1 cup
  • 1 medium zucchini quartered and sliced ¼ inch thick, about 2 cups
  • 2 large carrots diced, about 2 cups
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt divided
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
US Customary - Metric
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Instructions

  • Steam or boil sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooked, mash with butter and ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, add the beef, onions and vegetables to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to crumble the beef, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are softened, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium low and stir in the garlic for 1 minute follow by the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper and seasonings.
  • To a 3 quart or similar size casserole dish, add the meat mixture and then top with the mashed sweet potatoes.
  • Bake at 375 °F for 15 minutes, covering for the first 10 minutes and then removing the cover for the last 5.
  • Serve.

Notes

Make Ahead 
Assemble the entire casserole, following the directions through up until baking but instead of baking, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.
**If freezing, refrigerate for a few hours first before moving to the freezer so that your dish doesn't break from the temperature shock of going from hot to freezing.
Bake at 375 F for 35-45 minutes, covered for the first 30 minutes and then uncovered for the rest.
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 375 F for 15-20 minutes (for individual portions) or 30-35 minutes (for the full casserole) until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 862mg | Potassium: 1503mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 37814IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 5mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
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Comments

    5 from 39 votes (32 ratings without comment)

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  1. Andrea says

    August 27, 2022 at 10:43 am

    5 stars
    Shepherds pie is comfort food at its finest. Really liking the use of sweet potato in this. Can't wait to make it for my family.

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      August 27, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      I hope you love it, Andrea!

      Reply
  2. Charla says

    August 27, 2022 at 11:24 am

    5 stars
    I love recipes that break all the rules, living in England I know all about shepherds pie and your sweet potato switch up ticks all the right boxes with me, bring it on!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      August 27, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      Thank you for your kind review, Charla!

      Reply
  3. Laressa says

    August 27, 2022 at 12:49 pm

    5 stars
    oooh I love shepards pie but with sweet potatoes on top? a little hint of sweetness combined with the savory of the meat - SO GOOD!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      August 27, 2022 at 2:59 pm

      Thank you for your kind review, Laressa!

      Reply
    • Leah says

      March 03, 2023 at 10:40 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe for my husband and I and it was a hit! So delicious! Perfect amount of sweetness and starch from the yam, along with a variety of vegetables and protein to keep you full and satiated. Will definitely be adding this recipe into our rotation of healthy dinner ideas.

      Reply
      • Janessa says

        March 04, 2023 at 8:20 am

        I'm glad you liked this recipe, Leah! Thank you for your kind review.

        Reply
  4. Cathleen says

    August 27, 2022 at 1:00 pm

    5 stars
    Why have I never made shepherd's pie like this before?? This sounds amazing! Saving it to make for dinner tomorrow, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      August 27, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      I hope you love it, Cathleen!

      Reply
  5. Claudia Lamascolo says

    August 27, 2022 at 1:17 pm

    5 stars
    My son is a big sweet potato fan and shepherd's pie he gave this a thumbs up and I will make it again! thanks

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      August 27, 2022 at 2:58 pm

      I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Claudia!

      Reply
  6. Allison says

    March 23, 2023 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    I just love this recipe, it is so delicious and not to mention how healthy it is for you

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      March 23, 2023 at 7:54 pm

      I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Allison! Thank you for your kind review.

      Reply
Janessa

Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

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