Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato
A comforting classic with a twist! Savory ground lamb and vegetables in a rich gravy, topped with a creamy, vibrant sweet potato mash. A perfect, hearty meal for a chilly evening that's both delicious and a bit healthier.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sweet Potato Topping
- b.Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and add 1 tbsp of salt.
- c.Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- d.Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return the empty pot to the stove for 1 minute to evaporate any remaining water, then turn off the heat.
- e.Return the drained potatoes to the hot, dry pot. Mash them until smooth.
- f.Add 3 tbsp of butter, the warm milk, 0.75 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Stir vigorously until the topping is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Aromatic Base and Lamb
- b.While the potatoes are boiling, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- e.Add the ground lamb to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the lamb is browned all over. Carefully drain off any excess fat.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Savory Filling
- b.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the lamb and vegetables. Stir and cook for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- c.Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.
- d.Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- e.Add the chopped thyme, rosemary, the remaining 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.75 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
- f.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the filling simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken.
- g.Remove from the heat and stir in the frozen peas.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Bake the Pie
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Transfer the lamb filling to a 9x13 inch baking dish (or a 2.5-quart casserole dish) and spread it into an even layer.
- d.Carefully spoon the mashed sweet potato topping over the filling. Gently spread it to cover the entire surface.
- e.For a classic look, use the back of a fork to create ridges or swirls on the surface of the sweet potato topping.
- f.Place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- g.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges and the sweet potato topping is lightly golden.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the shepherd's pie from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to serve clean portions.
- c.Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after browning the lamb and before adding the flour.
- 2Ensure the sweet potatoes are well-drained and steamed dry. This is the key to a fluffy, not watery, topping.
- 3Let the meat filling cool for a few minutes before adding the topping. This prevents the mash from sinking into the gravy.
- 4For a crispier top, you can switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- 5This dish is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire pie, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cottage Pie
For the traditional Cottage Pie, simply substitute the ground lamb with an equal amount of ground beef.
Vegetarian Shepherd's PieVegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Replace the ground lamb with 2 cups of cooked brown or green lentils and 8 oz of finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
Cheesy ToppingCheesy Topping
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese over the sweet potato topping before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
Low Carb ToppingLow-Carb Topping
For a lower-carb alternative, replace the sweet potatoes with an equal amount of steamed and mashed cauliflower, prepared with butter, cream, and seasonings.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Excellent Source of Protein
Ground lamb provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, celery, and peas offers a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the vegetables and sweet potatoes provide a steady release of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
Frequently asked questions
This version is generally healthier than the traditional recipe. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A and fiber. The dish provides a balanced mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, it is still a hearty, calorie-dense meal, so portion control is key.