– **Title**: Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
– 1 lb ground meat (beef or lamb) or plant-based substitute
– 1 cup vegetable or beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (or vegan alternative)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Optional: 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk for creaminess in sweet potato topping
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher. Add a splash of milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the diced carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes until they soften. Stir in the ground meat (or substitute) and cook until browned.
6. Mix in the peas, corn, vegetable or beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is slightly golden.
10. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, bringing sweetness and creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, you can use regular potatoes. However, I find sweet potatoes give a unique flavor that adds a nice twist.
Ground Beef or Lamb: I love using ground lamb for its rich flavor, but ground beef works just as well. For a vegetarian version, lentils are an excellent option that provides protein and texture. Try using cooked green or brown lentils instead.
Carrots: They add some crunch and sweetness. If carrots aren’t available, any other root vegetable like parsnips or celery works nicely too!
Milk (Optional): Adding milk to the mashed potatoes makes them creamier. If you want a non-dairy option, use almond milk or oat milk—I’ve tried both with great results.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Mashing the sweet potatoes is key for a smooth topping. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook them until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes in boiling water.
- When mashing, avoid overmixing to keep them fluffy! A little bit of texture is nice.
- If you choose to add milk, warm it slightly before mixing in; it helps make the mash creamier.
How to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Meat / Vegetable Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or substitute with lentils for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, so plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a cozy, filling dish that’s perfect for sharing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your pie!
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and let them cook until they’re fork-tender, which should take around 15-20 minutes. When they’re done, drain the water and return the sweet potatoes back to the pot.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
Use a potato masher or fork to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. If you like your mash creamy, mix in the optional milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then set aside.
4. Prepare the Meat / Vegetable Layer:
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes, until they’re soft. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
5. Cook the Meat or Lentils:
Raise the heat to medium-high and add your ground beef or lamb (or lentils for a vegetarian option). Brown the meat, using a spoon to break it into pieces, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add Seasoning and Simmer:
Stir in the tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and frozen peas. Let this simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Assemble the Pie:
Grab a baking dish and pour in the meat mixture, spreading it out evenly. Next, top the meat with the mashed sweet potatoes, spreading them out and using a fork to create some fun waves for texture.
8. Bake and Garnish:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is slightly crispy and golden. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie! It’s a warm, hearty meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While sweet potatoes add a unique flavor, you can substitute them with regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or Russets. Just peel, dice, and boil them in the same way, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook slightly faster.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef or lamb with cooked lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian option. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout. If you find the topping is not crispy after reheating, a quick broil for a couple of minutes can help restore that texture!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, corn, or bell peppers. Just ensure they are diced small enough to cook through. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the vegetables you choose, so keep an eye on them while sautéing.
