Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

ByJulia
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 40 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, nourishing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to my Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe. This recipe takes the classic shepherd’s pie and gives it an exciting twist by swapping out the traditional mashed potatoes for vibrant, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and honestly, it’s become one of my go-to weeknight meals that never fails to impress. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through how to nail it perfectly every step of the way!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Sweet Potato Upgrade: Using sweet potatoes adds a lovely natural sweetness and creaminess that takes this shepherd’s pie to a whole new level.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Cooking the filling and topping in the same skillet (if you have a cast iron) makes cleanup a breeze and layers flavor beautifully.
  • Balanced Veggies & Spices: A colorful mix of veggies with warming spices ensures every bite is rich, savory, and just the right amount of comforting.
  • Customizable & Friendly: This recipe works great with either beef or lamb, and you can tweak the seasoning easily to suit your pantry or preference.
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, healthy sweet potato shepherd’s pie, comforting sweet potato shepherd’s pie, easy sweet potato shepherd’s pie, homemade sweet potato shepherd’s pie - The dish is served in a black cast iron pan, showing a thick layer of smooth, orange mashed sweet potatoes spread evenly across the surface. The top layer has gentle swirls and waves creating soft texture patterns, sprinkled lightly with coarse sea salt flakes and a dusting of brown spice, possibly cinnamon or nutmeg. The pan handle is wrapped with a loosely tied gray cloth, and the background is a white marbled texture with a small wooden bowl filled with ground pepper positioned near the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here has a purpose, blending together for a filling you’ll want seconds of, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes that are simply irresistible. When you shop, pick fresh, firm veggies and sweet potatoes that aren’t too small or mushy—the texture will make a big difference!

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, healthy sweet potato shepherd’s pie, comforting sweet potato shepherd’s pie, easy sweet potato shepherd’s pie, homemade sweet potato shepherd’s pie - Flat lay of a pound of fresh ground beef shaped loosely, two medium peeled and diced orange carrots, one small diced green bell pepper, one small diced yellow onion, a small pile of cleaned and diced brown mushrooms, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white ceramic bowl with dried chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with dried rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl of fine salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of clear water, two large peeled and cubed bright orange sweet potatoes, a small white ceramic bowl with a pat of creamy butter placed next to a small white ceramic bowl of additional chili powder and fine salt, all evenly spaced and symmetrically arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Ground beef or lamb: Choose lean but not too lean meat so your filling stays juicy and flavorful without excess grease.
  • Carrots: These add a subtle sweetness and nice bite; peeling and dicing them evenly helps them cook just right.
  • Green pepper: Adds a hint of freshness and slight crunch to balance the savory filling.
  • Yellow onion: Gives a foundational sweetness and depth to the filling when sautéed well.
  • Mushrooms: They soak up flavors and enrich the umami profile—plus I love how they add a little earthiness.
  • Garlic: A must-have for warm, aromatic notes that make you salivate.
  • Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor adds a lovely richness and slight tang to the filling.
  • Chili powder: This is my secret weapon to add subtle warmth without heat; it complements the sweetness perfectly.
  • Dried rosemary or herbs: Bring in a herby fragrance that ties all the flavors together.
  • Fine salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage—don’t skimp here!
  • Water: Just enough to keep the filling saucy but not soggy.
  • Sweet potatoes: The star of the topping, mashed until so smooth and creamy with a beautiful pop of color.
  • Butter (or ghee/coconut oil): Adds richness and silky texture to the mash; I love ghee when I want a dairy-free option with extra flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I personally love to switch things up based on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge. This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe is like a blank canvas—feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice levels. You’ll find the more you make it, the more your own favorite version emerges.

  • Try ground turkey: For a lighter twist, I swapped the beef for turkey once, and it was surprisingly delicious and lean.
  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the meat for lentils or a plant-based ground alternative; just add a splash of soy sauce or tamari to amp up the umami.
  • Add fresh herbs: I sometimes throw in fresh thyme or parsley right before baking for a fresh, vibrant note on top.
  • Extra spice: Like it hot? Add some cayenne or red pepper flakes to the filling for a bold kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes Like a Pro

Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly. I usually steam them in a basket over boiling water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender—it saves time and keeps them moist. If you prefer, pop them in the oven to bake at 375ºF for 45-60 minutes until soft. While they’re cooking, you can get the filling going, which makes this a smooth, uninterrupted process.

Step 2: Sauté the Filling Right in Your Skillet

Use a medium skillet over medium-high heat and brown your ground meat first, breaking it up nicely. Then add your diced carrots, green pepper, onion, mushrooms, and garlic, stirring often so everything softens uniformly. This part usually takes me about 12-15 minutes until the carrots are tender but still hold a little bite. I find this step is key to building great flavor and texture—you don’t want soggy mush!

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Once your veggies and meat are cooked through, stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, rosemary, salt, pepper, and a splash of water to create a nicely sauced filling. Let it simmer for a couple minutes to marry those flavors. Don’t rush this step—it’s what gives the filling its hearty soul.

Step 4: Mash Up the Sweet Potato Topping

Transfer your tender sweet potatoes to a food processor with butter, chili powder, and salt, then blend until velvety smooth. If you only have regular potatoes, I recommend mashing by hand to avoid a gummy texture. The key here is to get a silky mash that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Now for the fun part: if you have a 10-inch cast iron skillet, add your meat filling right back in, spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the top, and sprinkle a little sea salt and chili powder for a finishing touch. Pop that into your preheated 375ºF oven for 10 minutes, just enough to warm it through and get a bit of crust on top. No cast iron? No worries—transfer everything to a casserole dish and bake the same way.

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Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

  • Even Sweet Potato Cubes: Cut your sweet potatoes into similarly sized pieces for perfectly even cooking — no chewy chunks here.
  • Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste: It’s a game changer for depth and richness in your filling.
  • Cast Iron Skillet Magic: Cooking and baking in the same skillet layers those flavors and minimizes dishwashing.
  • Avoid Overmixing Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Blend just until smooth to prevent a gummy texture—your taste buds will thank you!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, healthy sweet potato shepherd’s pie, comforting sweet potato shepherd’s pie, easy sweet potato shepherd’s pie, homemade sweet potato shepherd’s pie - A white plate holds a dish with two layers. The bottom layer is a mix of cooked ground meat with small pieces of orange carrot and translucent onion, showing a rich brown and light orange color with a slightly chunky texture. On top, there is a thick, smooth orange layer of mashed sweet potatoes spread out with soft peaks. The mashed layer is sprinkled with coarse salt and a dark spice, likely paprika, and garnished with a small green rosemary sprig in the center. The plate is set on a dark surface with some green rosemary sprigs around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple by sprinkling a bit of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top right after baking to add a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, a little crumble of sharp feta cheese or a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate it if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans with garlic. For a cozy weekend meal, I love serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on holidays or dinner parties, I’ll spoon the filling into oven-safe ramekins and top each with the mash for individual shepherd’s pies. It feels so special and leftovers heat up like a charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to gently press a piece of parchment paper right on top if I pop into a dish, to keep the mashed sweet potato from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie successfully by making it fully, then letting it cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge—it reheats beautifully without losing texture.

Reheating

Reheat in a 375℉ oven for 20-30 minutes covered with foil to keep moisture, removing the foil near the end to let the top crisp up again. Microwaving can work in a pinch but I find it dulled the texture a bit.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

    Absolutely! You can swap sweet potatoes for regular ones. Just mash them by hand instead of using a blender or food processor to keep the texture fluffy rather than gummy.

  2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, as long as you double-check your tomato paste and spices for any added gluten, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

    Yes! Replace the ground meat with lentils, beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. For vegan, use coconut oil or vegan butter in the sweet potato topping.

  4. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

    No worries—you can assemble everything in a regular baking dish or casserole and bake the pie just the same. Just keep an eye on baking time as your dish shape/size can affect it slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the kind of meal that brings the family around the table, keeps everyone satisfied, and feels like a little celebration of simple, good food. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. It’s easier than you might think, and so satisfying that it quickly becomes a favorite. Give it a try soon, and I can’t wait to hear what you think!

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Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 40 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

A comforting Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie featuring a hearty ground beef or lamb filling with vegetables and a smooth, spiced mashed sweet potato topping baked to perfection in a skillet or casserole dish.

Ingredients

Shepherd’s Pie Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 small green pepper, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, cleaned and stemmed, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or dried herb of choice
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

Sweet Potato Topping:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (about 12 ounces each), peeled and cubed (~6 cups cubed)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (may substitute ghee or coconut oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ to prepare for baking the assembled shepherd’s pie.
  2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place peeled and diced sweet potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam until tender, about 15 minutes. Alternatively, bake whole sweet potatoes until fork tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
  3. Cook Filling: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, sauté ground beef or lamb with diced carrots, green pepper, onion, mushrooms, and minced garlic until carrots soften, about 12-15 minutes.
  4. Prepare Topping: While filling cooks, combine cooked sweet potatoes with butter, chili powder, and salt in a food processor or blender and process until smooth and creamy. For white potatoes, mash by hand to avoid pastiness.
  5. Add Seasoning to Filling: Stir tomato paste, chili powder, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and water into the cooked meat and vegetable mixture. Cook briefly to combine flavors.
  6. Assemble Pie: Transfer filling to a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a 9×9 inch baking dish if your skillet is not oven-safe. Spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the filling. Sprinkle the top with a little sea salt and chili powder.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the top is heated through and slightly browned.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven carefully and serve hot.

Notes

  • To reheat when frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 375℉ oven for 20-30 minutes until heated through (~165℉ center).
  • If reheating from frozen, cover with foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking until hot.
  • Using a 10-inch cast iron skillet allows cooking and baking all in one vessel for convenience.
  • Butter can be substituted with ghee or coconut oil to make this Whole30 compliant.
  • For best texture with white potatoes, mash by hand rather than blending.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: thirty-five g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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