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Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine British-Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Sweet Potato Topping:
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 kg), peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • ¼ cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of ground nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth
  • For the Beef Filling:
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Make the Sweet Potato Mash : Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and return to the pot. Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Set aside.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling : Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add onion, garlic, and carrot; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to develop flavor. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, until thickened. Stir in peas (or mixed vegetables). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie : Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish. Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the beef, smoothing with a spatula to cover completely. Use a fork to create texture on top (optional, helps browning).
  • Step 4: Bake : Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is slightly golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. For a more golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully).