This recipe should really be called Sweet Potato "Shepherd's Pie" because it is kind of breaking all of the rules for what a Shepherd's Pie is. First of all, it is made with ground beef. Shepherd's Pie traditionally contains ground lamb. Cottage Pie usually contains ground beef. A fact I only learned in the last year. Secondly, it is made with sweet potatoes rather than typical white potatoes. But no matter what name you pick, just call it delicious.
It is a fabulous recipe to prepare ahead or use for meal prep. It is loaded with vegetables but in a form that you'll actually want to eat them. I made this recipe to take dinner to a friend's house, and even her vegetable skeptic 6 year old son took seconds! "Dad, you have to try this zucchini. It tastes like barbecue sauce." Although, I wouldn't describe it that way, the point is, it is tasty!
The Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes- You can also use regular potatoes.
- Butter- Coconut oil can also be used.
- Ground Beef- Another ground meat such as lamb, chicken or turkey will also work.
- Yellow onion- Red onion can be used.
- Green Bell Pepper- Any colour of bell pepper will work.
- Zucchini- You need 1 medium zucchini (½ lb) which will yield about 2 cups chopped.
- Carrots- You need 2 large carrots (1 lb) which will yield about 2 cups diced.
- Garlic- 1 and ½ teaspoon garlic powder can also be used.
- Tomato Paste- I have made this with and without tomato paste and although it is slightly better with, it is still tasty without!
- Chili Powder
- Dried Thyme- Fresh thyme can also be used- you will need 1 tablespoon chopped. Another herb such as rosemary would also work.
- Fine Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
The Method
- Cook sweet potatoes and mash.
- Cook meat and vegetables.
- Layer casserole.
- Bake.
Make Ahead
This is a great recipe for meal prep and to make ahead! If you are meal prepping, you can layer the casserole into individual dishes and skip the baking step. Then just reheat the individual portions as you need them. Or assemble the entire casserole in a larger dish, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 F. If baking the entire casserole from the refrigerator, it will take a bit longer to heat through, so bake for about 45 minutes.
Leftover Storage
Store leftover Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie 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 350 F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Dietary Notes
If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:
- Dairy Free - If you use coconut oil in place of butter.
- Gluten Free
- Paleo - If you use coconut oil in place of butter.
- Nut Free
And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like:
- Cajun Chicken Sheet Pan (With Honey Butter)
- Stuffed Barbecue Chicken Sweet Potatoes
- Swedish Meatballs in Cream Sauce
- Sweet Potato and Russet Hash with Eggs
Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes large diced, about 6 cups
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 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
- 2 teaspoon dried thyme divided
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
- Steam or boil sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooked, mash with butter, 1 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, to a large skillet, add the beef, vegetables and remaining seasonings. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently to crumble the beef until browned and the vegetables are softened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium low and stir in the tomato paste. Simmer for 5-10 additional minutes.
- To a 3 quart or similar size casserole dish, add the meat mixture and then top with the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Optional: Bake at 350 °F for 10-15 minutes to allow meat and sweet potatoes to combine flavors.
- Serve.
Andrea
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.
Janessa
I hope you love it, Andrea!
Charla
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!
Janessa
Thank you for your kind review, Charla!
Laressa
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!
Janessa
Thank you for your kind review, Laressa!
Leah
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.
Janessa
I'm glad you liked this recipe, Leah! Thank you for your kind review.
Cathleen
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 🙂
Janessa
I hope you love it, Cathleen!
Claudia Lamascolo
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
Janessa
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Claudia!
Allison
I just love this recipe, it is so delicious and not to mention how healthy it is for you
Janessa
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Allison! Thank you for your kind review.