One of our favorite cold-weather meals is classicshepherd’s pie. In this not-so-classic version, I up the vegetable content a bit with mashed sweet potato. It’s a delicious spin especially if you are making the switch from white potatoes(or if you just prefer the taste!).
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie: A Healthy Spin on a Classic
I’ve left the recipe for my shepherd’s pie pretty similar to most, but added kale for a little extra vegetable boost and swapped out the traditional with potatoes for sweet potatoes. This is actually a similar recipe to mymeatloaf cupcakes, but with more vegetables.
To make the casserole, I brown the ground beef with seasonings, then stir in the diced vegetables, heat it up, and pour it into a casserole dish. (I have thisawesome deep skillet that is oven-proof that I use for both purposes and save myself a pan to wash.)
While the meat is cooking I mash the sweet potatoes with butter and salt and plop them on top of the meat and vegetable mixture when it is done. To save myself a little time, I usually make extra sweet potatoes with another meal earlier in the week then just pull them out of the fridge when I’m ready to use them.
Is It Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie?
Shepherd’s pie is Irish in origin and usually is made with ground lamb. Cottage pie is British and made with ground beef.However, most people don’t quibble over the small differences and use the terms interchangeably. (Read more fun shepherd’s pie factshere.)
If you love sweet potatoes as much as we do, give this recipe a try! It freezes and reheats well so it can be prepared ahead for busy nights.
Sweet Potatoes: Versatile, Healthy, and Delicious
My kids absolutely love sweet potatoes and happily eat them every way I fix them. Which is why I have such an extensive and creative collection of sweet potato recipes!
Here are some others to try:
- Bacon Lime Sweet Potato Salad
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- Instant Pot “Baked” Sweet Potatoes
- Loaded Sweet Potato Soup
- Pakistani Kima
- Shrimp Carbonara with Sweet Potato “Pasta”
- Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes stuffed with sausage and spinach
- Sweet Potato Hash with eggs, apples, and sausage
- Sweet Potato Vegetable Lasagna
- Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole (topped with meringue)
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
I love this healthier take on shepherd’s pie with a creamy sweet potato topping. This is a family favorite at our house and my kids love helping make the layers.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Calories 245kcal
Author Katie Wells
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1½ tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp natural beef bouillon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp basil
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 1 small bunch kale
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (cooked)
- 1 egg
- 4 TBSP butter
- 8 oz cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet, brown the meat.
Mix in 1 teaspoon of the salt and all remaining seasonings and transfer to a large bowl.
Dice the onions and tear the kale into small pieces.
Saute the onion and kale in the skillet until slightly soft and add to the meat.
Pour the mixed vegetables into the skillet and heat on low heat.
While the vegetables are heating, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter and the remaining salt until smooth.
Add the mixed vegetables and the egg to the meat and stir to combine.
Pour the meat/vegetable mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the top.
Bake at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes.
When done, top with a small dollop of cream cheese if desired and enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 245Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 106mg35%
Sodium 647mg28%
Potassium 499mg14%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Protein 26g52%
Vitamin A 2110IU42%
Vitamin C 4.9mg6%
Calcium 27mg3%
Iron 3.2mg18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notes
- For sweet potatoes: Either bake ahead for about an hour or until soft, or boil about 10 minutes in large pot of water until soft. Drain before using if boiled. I usually make extra when making a previous meal then just re-heat the night I make this.
- This recipe makes a 9×13 pan — you can divide it and freeze part for another meal or double it to make a large one for the freezer!
- Possible variation: Bake in pint-sized mason jars for easy packable lunches!
Ever make shepherd’s pie with sweet potatoes? How’d it turn out? Share below!
FAQs
I tried making Ina Garten's recipe for shepherd's pie. The meal was easy to prepare and was large enough to feed a whole family. The pie's filling was flavorful and savory, while the mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy.
Why do Irish people eat shepherd's pie? ›
"Shepherd's Pie is one the most traditional Irish dishes I know of," she said. Culhane said the meal became popular in Ireland for a simple reason: It's easy to make, it makes a lot and it's cheap. Although there are many variations, most Shepherd's Pies are made with ground meat, potatoes, carrots, peas and onions.
How do you keep mash from sinking in shepherds pie? ›
To stop the mash sinking into the filling, allow the meat to cool before topping with the mashed potato. Freeze in individual ovenproof dishes for an easy meal for one.
What is Elvis Presley pie? ›
Chef Paula Haney shares with Duff the bakery's recipe for the Fat Elvis Pie, which was inspired by Elvis Presley's love of peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches. The pie includes chocolate pastry cream, peanut butter filling and slices of banana in a crust made of graham cracker crumbs, dry roasted peanuts and pretzels.
Do you refrigerate Patti LaBelle sweet potato pie? ›
Continue baking until the filling is set and doesn't jiggle when the pie is gently shaken, about 30 minutes more. Transfer the pie to the wire rack and let cool completely. (The pie can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.)
Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? ›
Classic shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb, gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies like peas, corn, celery, and carrots. Why is my shepherd's pie soggy? Avoid a soggy pie by simmering the meat mixture for at least 8 minutes. Be sure to cook down the mixture to remove excess moisture.
What can I use to thicken my shepherd's pie? ›
The easiest way to thicken shepherd's pie filling is by sprinkling a few tablespoons of flour into the ground beef mixture as it cooks before adding it to the baking dish. The starch in the flour will absorb the extra liquid and create a thick gravy.
What is traditional shepherd's pie made of? ›
Classic Shepherd's Pie is a comforting casserole that consists of ground lamb, carrots, and peas simmered with Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs and topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer that's baked until golden and crisp.
What country invented shepherds pie? ›
The dish originates from the British Isles, but some might argue that it is an Irish dish by origin. The name "Shepherd's Pie" was first recorded in an 1877 cookbook. In this same cookbook, it was noted that the dish was of Scottish origin. During the period between the 18th and 19th centuries, money was very tight.
What is the difference between Irish and British shepherd's pie? ›
It's called cottage pie in the U.K. because they use beef and in Ireland since the shepherds tend sheep, it's shepherd's pie. No doubt, the English put out an excellent cottage pie, but in Ireland it used to be a delicacy since the Irish couldn't afford beef they repurposed any unused veggies and meat.
Loaded with protein, an Irish breakfast usually offers four breakfast meats and two eggs fried sunny side up. Eating eggs with bacon and sausages is nothing new, but the feast set before you when you order an Irish fry is a sign of great hospitality and the test of a good cook.
Why does my potato sink in shepherds pie? ›
Residual moisture from the potatoes will drip into the beef below as it cooks, and too much of it will cause the potatoes to eventually sink. Aside from ridding your potatoes of excess moisture before you mash them, it also helps to cool the beef down, BBC Good Food shares.
What do you drink with shepherd's pie? ›
An Argentinian Malbec, a wine known for its deep, dark fruit flavors and velvety texture, would also pair well with Shepherd's Pie. The wine's bold flavors and medium to high tannins would stand up to the hearty meat and vegetables, while its underlying notes of spice and earth would echo the dish's savory elements.
Should I put shepherds pie in the fridge? ›
Remove the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle a few extra herbs on top if you would like, then dish up your servings while the shepherd's pie is still nice and warm. Or store the pie in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What does sweet potato pie contain? ›
Sweet potato pie's custard filling is made of freshly cooked sweet potatoes (no cans here!), evaporated milk, eggs, butter, and basic spices. Make-Ahead Friendly. You can make sweet potato pie a day or two in advance, making it perfect for Thanksgiving and other busy holidays.
What is a Patti LaBelle pie? ›
Singer Patti LaBelle learned this pie recipe from her best friend and hairstylist Norma Gordon Harris. This sweet potato pie has a thin layer of brown sugar on the bottom crust. This "black bottom" doesn't just add flavor, it also helps keep the filling from making the crust soggy.
What ingredients are in Patti LaBelle's banana pudding? ›
Ingredients for Patti LaBelle's Banana Pudding
To recreate Patti LaBelle's iconic banana pudding, you'll need sweetened condensed milk, cold water, instant vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, ripe bananas and vanilla wafers.
