Easy Shepherds Pie with Sweet Potatoes
The ultimate comfort food, Easy Shepherds Pie with Sweet Potatoes combines creamy sweet potatoes with savory ground meat and vibrant vegetables. This dish is not only hearty but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Cozy up with a slice tonight!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Skillet
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs sweet potatoes boiled and mashed (about 4 large)
- 3 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 5 large cloves garlic minced
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 2 lbs ground lamb or beef
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp liquid aminos
- ⅓ cup water or beef broth
- 1 cup green peas
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tsp sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Chop the sweet potatoes into rounds that are about 2 inches thick and place them in a pot. Fill the pot with water, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil the potatoes until very soft when poked with a fork, about 20 to 30 minutes. Note: you can prepare the rest of the recipe while the potatoes are cooking.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and allow them to cool enough to handle. Once cool, remove the skins from the potatoes and mash them until creamy. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Add the avocado oil to a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to brown, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Move the onions off to one side of the skillet and add the ground meat, leaving it in its square hunk form. Allow the meat to brown on one side for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip it to the other side and brown for another 2 to 3 minutes. Use a spatula to break up the meat into smaller chunks and stir well.
- Add the carrots, garlic, vinegar, liquid aminos, and water. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes to allow the mixture to cook and flavors to meld.
- Remove the lid and stir in the peas, spinach, and sea salt. Continue cooking uncovered for a few minutes to allow the sauce around the solids to thicken slightly.
- Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a large casserole dish. Spread the creamy mashed sweet potatoes over the meat mixture, making sure to cover it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until everything is hot and slightly bubbly. The top should be golden and inviting.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Easy Shepherds Pie with Sweet Potatoes!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled pie before baking. Just cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
- Pairing: Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
- Extra Creaminess: For richer mashed sweet potatoes, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or dairy-free cream.