Herb-Infused Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Mash

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Herb-Infused Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Mash is a comforting twist on a classic dish. With a fragrant blend of herbs and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or a hearty meal any time of year.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Mash

Olive oil kicks off the cooking by providing a smooth base for sautéing. Ground beef forms the hearty core of the dish, absorbing all the flavors. Onion and garlic add depth and aromatic richness. The carrots, peas, and corn kernels bring sweetness and texture, brightening up the filling. Tomato paste and beef broth create a savory sauce that binds everything together, while Worcestershire sauce gives it a tangy kick. The herbs, thyme and rosemary, infuse the beef with earthy notes. For the topping, sweet potatoes are mashed with milk, butter, and a hint of nutmeg for a creamy, slightly spiced finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a potato masher for a chunky texture, or a hand mixer for a smoother mash.
  • If you prefer a bit of a crust on top, broil the pie for the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Make sure to taste your filling before layering to adjust seasoning—it’s easier to add than to take away!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly to balance the rich flavors. A side of crusty bread can also be a nice touch for soaking up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes the dish a bit lighter.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this shepherd’s pie freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before covering and freezing.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
Regular potatoes or even a mix of root vegetables like parsnips and carrots would work nicely.

Herb-Infused Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Mash Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that warms up, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring them around until they turn translucent. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned. Be sure to break it up with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Once browned, it’s time to bring in the veggies. Stir in the carrots, peas, and corn kernels, letting them mingle with the beef.

Now, add the tomato paste and give it a good stir, followed by the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in the thyme, rosemary, and season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer away for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

While your beef filling is simmering, get a pot of water boiling and cook the sweet potatoes until they’re tender—about 15 minutes should do it. Once they’re soft, drain and return them to the pot. Mash them up with the milk, butter, and a dash of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dollop the sweet potato mash on top and smooth it out with a spatula. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and inviting.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Layers of savory beef and sweet potato create a perfect balance of flavors.
  • Herbs like thyme and rosemary infuse the dish with warmth and aroma.
  • It’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze!
  • Sweet potatoes add a nutritional boost compared to traditional mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup peas
1 cup corn kernels
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
4. Add ground beef, cook until browned.
5. Stir in carrots, peas, corn, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
7. Boil sweet potatoes in a pot until tender, about 15 minutes.
8. Drain and mash with milk, butter, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
9. Spread beef mixture in a baking dish and top with sweet potato mash.
10. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.

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