Beef Shepherds Pie Sweet Potato (Printable version)
A comforting twist on classic shepherds pie, with savory ground beef, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sweet potato topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Sweet Potato Mash
01 - 3.3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
04 - Salt, to taste
05 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For the Beef Filling
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
09 - 2 medium carrots, diced
10 - 2 celery stalks, diced
11 - 1.65 pounds ground beef
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1 cup frozen peas
17 - 1 cup beef broth (gluten-free if needed)
18 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free if needed)
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are very tender.
03 - Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly. Mash them with the butter and milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set aside.
04 - While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
05 - Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
06 - Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and smoked paprika. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
07 - Incorporate the frozen peas, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce into the beef mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
08 - Transfer the prepared beef filling to a large baking dish. Evenly spread the reserved sweet potato mash over the top of the beef mixture, covering it completely.
09 - Gently use a fork to create decorative ridges on the surface of the sweet potato mash. This will help achieve a golden and crispy texture during baking.
10 - Bake the shepherd's pie in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
11 - Allow the shepherd's pie to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The natural sweetness of the potato mash perfectly balances the savory beef filling, creating a symphony of flavors you didn>t know you were missing.
- It>s the ultimate comfort food glow-up, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved classic without sacrificing any of its soul-warming charm.
02 -
- Always mash your sweet potatoes while they>re still hot; trying to mash cold potatoes is an uphill battle and won>t yield that silky-smooth texture.
- Don>t rush the browning of the beef; developing a good sear on the meat adds crucial depth of flavor to your entire dish.
03 -
- For a super smooth mash, consider using a potato ricer or even an immersion blender after draining your sweet potatoes, but be careful not to over-process.
- Taste your beef filling before spreading the mash; this is your last chance to adjust the seasonings and ensure it>s perfectly balanced.