Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, making both prep and cleanup a breeze.
- Nutritious Twist: Sweet potatoes provide an extra boost of fiber and antioxidants compared to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal choice for a satisfying and cozy dinner.
- Allergy-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and easily made dairy-free, making it a versatile option for various diets.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter and milk (use dairy-free alternatives if preferred)
- Ground beef (can substitute ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie)
- Onion, garlic, tomato paste
- Frozen carrots, peas, and corn
- Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if necessary)
- Paprika, salt, pepper
- Beef broth
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
Directions
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Heat a cast-iron skillet and sauté diced onion in olive oil for 3-5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
- Add frozen vegetables, cooking off moisture for 2-3 minutes. Mix in cornstarch slurry and beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Spoon mashed sweet potatoes over the beef mixture. Smooth them out and bake for 25 minutes. Broil for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.
- Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and milk for a completely dairy-free meal.
- Different Vegetables: Add or swap out vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas based on your preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes like Yukon golds for a more traditional shepherd’s pie topping.
2. How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?
Let the filling simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pie ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free if needed.
5. Can I use lamb instead of beef?
Yes, you can use lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie flavor.
6. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk.
7. How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the sweet potato topping is golden and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
8. Can I freeze Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, assemble the pie and freeze it before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
9. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but they may require a little more cooking time.
10. What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with a fresh salad or gluten-free bread to complete the meal.
Conclusion
This Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is the perfect combination of comfort and nutrition. With its flavorful beef filling and creamy sweet potato topping, it's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this easy-to-make meal is guaranteed to satisfy.
Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie is a comforting, wholesome twist on the classic dish. With a creamy sweet potato topping and a savory beef and vegetable filling, this nutritious and allergy-friendly recipe is naturally gluten-free and easily made dairy-free. It’s a perfect one-pan meal that’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- For the Sweet Potato Topping:
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- Butter (dairy-free if needed)
- Milk (dairy-free if needed)
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- ½ cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
Instructions
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water for 12-15 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, and sauté diced onion in olive oil for 3-5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Vegetables: Stir in frozen vegetables, cooking off moisture for 2-3 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little cold water) and beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Assemble the Pie: Spoon mashed sweet potatoes over the beef mixture in the skillet. Smooth out the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Broil for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.
- Serve: Let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Meat Alternatives: You can swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk.
- Vegetable Options: Swap in fresh veggies like spinach or mushrooms, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
