This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is what healthy comfort food is all about! It’s packed with delicious veggies, ground beef, herbs and topped with savory sweet potato mash. This hearty and flavorful dish will leave you wanting seconds and it’s even gluten free, paleo, and Whole30 friendly!
Comfort Food Classic
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that I knew I had to add to the blog. Chances are, if you think of comfort food, this dish is going to pop up in your mind more often than not. I also think of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, there’s something about soup that is so comforting. In shepherd’s pie, the warm potatoes, veggies, and meat combine to make the perfect meal for cold winter nights.
Ingredients in the Best Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Sweet Potato Topping:
- Sweet potato: I love using sweet potatoes here for their mild sweet flavor but you could substitute the sweet potato for another potato variety if preferred.
- Ghee: You could substitute the ghee for vegan or regular butter.
- Milk: I use dairy free milk but you could use whatever milk you prefer. Just make sure the milk is unsweetened or the potato mash will become too sweet.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste.
Meat Filling:
- Ground beef: I prefer to use grass-fed ground beef.
- Onion and Garlic Cloves: Garlic and onions are a must for a flavorful shepherd's pie recipe.
- Peas
- Carrot
- Beef broth
- Coconut aminos
- Seasoning: thyme, parsley, ginger, salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Sweet Potato Topping: Start by placing the cubed sweet potato in a large pot. Fill with water until water is covering the potatoes. Bring to boil and cook until the potatoes are soft, about 12 minutes. Drain the water and add the ghee, milk, salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until potatoes are smooth, set aside.
2. Make the Meat Filling: Cook the ground beef until browned. Transfer the cooked meat onto a separate plate, set aside. Drain any excess liquid from the same pan you cooked the meat in. Then heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and add the onion, garlic, peas and carrots. Sauté until softened (about 6-7 minutes). Add the cooked beef, beef broth, coconut aminos, thyme, parsley, ginger, salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes then set aside.
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
4. Assemble: Spread the meat filling on the bottom of a 9x9 casserole dish or large dutch oven. Then spoon the sweet potato mash on top of the meat filling. Spread evenly using a spatula or spoon.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use another type of potato?
While I prefer this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie recipe to be made with sweet potato, you can substitute them with russet potatoes instead if you wish. It will still taste delicious!
Can I customize it with other veggies?
In this shepherd’s pie recipe, we use peas and carrots in the meat filling but you could experiment with adding additional vegetables if you’d like. Some suggestions might be green beans, celery, corn, asparagus or mushrooms. If you try any substitutions or additions, let me know in the comments below!
How to store Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
How to serve Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Serving Suggestions:
- A winter salad like Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Kale and Apple
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
More meal ideas:
- Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apple
- Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
- Creamy Turkey Chowder
- Dairy Free Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Let me know if you’ve tried this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie and please consider leaving a rating below. Be sure to also tag @withsweethoney on Instagram!
If you’d like to stay in the know about all things With Sweet Honey, please consider subscribing to our newsletter!
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting With Sweet Honey!
Best Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie (Whole30, Paleo)
Equipment
- Hand Mixer
- Skillet
- Stockpot
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mash Topping:
- 1-½ - 2 lbs sweet potato (about 2 large potatoes) peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp ghee (or butter, if not paleo or whole30)
- 3 tbsp dairy free milk (or regular milk, if not paleo or whole30)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Meat Filling
- 1 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 2 large carrots peeled and chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Sweet Potato Topping: Start by placing the cubed sweet potato in a large pot. Fill with water until water is covering the potatoes. Bring to boil and cook until the potatoes are soft, about 12 minutes. Drain the water and add the ghee, milk, salt and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until potatoes are smooth, set aside.
- Make the Meat Filling: Cook the ground beef until browned. Transfer the cooked meat onto a separate plate, set aside. Drain any excess liquid from the same pan you cooked the meat in. Then heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and add the onion, garlic, peas and carrots. Sauté until softened (about 6-7 minutes). Add the cooked beef, beef broth, coconut aminos, thyme, parsley, ginger, salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes then set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Assemble: Spread the meat filling on the bottom of a 9x9 casserole dish or large dutch oven. Then spoon the sweet potato mash on top of the meat filling. Spread evenly using a spatula or spoon.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply