One of our favorite cold weather foods is classic shepherd’s pie. This not-so-classic version uses mashed sweet potatoes to significantly increase your vegetable intake. Traditional shepherd’s pie is delicious, especially if you’re switching from white potatoes (or just prefer the flavor!).
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
You may be wondering if you can make shepherd’s pie using sweet potatoes. White potatoes are the centerpiece of traditional Irish cuisine, but no one says you can’t use sweet potatoes! And actually, my family prefers that taste. White potatoes or sweet potatoes are not better, it’s just a matter of taste.
If you’re on the Whole 30, which doesn’t allow dairy and prefers sweet potatoes, this version is easy to adapt. Not only is it healthy and convenient, but it’s also paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
How to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
I made this pretty similar to most shepherd’s pie recipes, but added kale and swapped the traditional potatoes for sweet potatoes for a little extra vegetable boost. This recipe is similar to my meatloaf cupcakes but with more vegetables.
To make the casserole, stir-fry the ground beef with the seasonings, then add the chopped vegetables, stir-fry, heat and pour into the casserole dish. I have a deep ovenproof skillet that I use for both purposes and save the pans to wash.
While the meat is cooking, mash the sweet potatoes with butter and salt, and once cooked, gently place them on top of the meat and vegetable mixture. To save a little time, I usually make extra sweet potatoes with other meals early in the week and then just take them out of the fridge when I’m ready to use them.
Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients and Substitutes
I like kale for added nutrients, but you can leave it out if you prefer mixed vegetables. Or, use other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard instead. If you want to add even more flavor, try adding coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce, or balsamic vinegar for added depth.
Want to make it dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter and omit the cream cheese. Still, if you want to make the sweet potato topping even creamier, try adding a little coconut milk when mashing it. If dairy isn’t an issue for you, Shepherd’s Pie with Cheese is also delicious!
I make this recipe with ground beef because it’s easy to find, but you can also use ground lamb if you want a more traditional flavor. If you want a lower calorie or fat version, ground turkey works well. And I’m not a vegetarian, but I’ve heard that cooked lentils work well instead of minced meat.
quick tip
To save time baking sweet potatoes, you can bake them ahead of time. I’ll make some early this week and pull it out of the fridge when I need it. Bake until tender, about 1 hour. For a quicker version, boil chopped sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes, drain, and use in this recipe.
I’m a big fan of meal prepping and this is a great recipe to make ahead. You can also make an easy-to-pack lunch by placing the ingredients in a pint-sized mason jar!
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the unbaked layered shepherd’s pie in a freezer-safe container and wrap tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. I like to double the recipe and freeze half for later.
If you love sweet potatoes as much as we do, try this recipe!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
This healthy shepherd’s pie features a creamy sweet potato topping. This is a family favorite in our house and my kids love helping create the layers.
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Preheat oven to 350°F
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat to brown the meat.
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Mix together 1 teaspoon salt and all remaining seasoning and transfer to a large bowl.
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In a skillet, sauté the onion and kale until slightly soft, then add to the meat.
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Pour the mixed vegetables into a frying pan and heat over low heat.
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While vegetables are heating, mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth.
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Add the mixed vegetables to the meat mixture, sprinkle the arrowroot on top and mix.
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Pour the meat/vegetable mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly. Add mashed sweet potatoes and spread evenly over the top.
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Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
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When finished, top with a little cream cheese if desired and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Amount per serving (per serving)
calorie 490
Calories from Fat 243
% Daily Value*
province 27g42%
14g saturated fat88%
1g trans fat
1g polyunsaturated fat
9g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 117mg39%
sodium 793mg34%
potassium 947mg27%
carbohydrate 33g11%
6g fiber25%
7g sugar8%
protein 28g56%
Vitamin A 20036IU401%
Vitamin C 23mg28%
calcium 136mg14%
steel 4mg22%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie?
Shepherd’s Pie is native to Ireland and is typically made using minced lamb. Cottage pie is British-style and made with minced beef. However, most people use the terms interchangeably without arguing over the small differences. Read more fun Shepherd’s Pie facts here.
Sweet Potatoes: Versatile, healthy and delicious.
My kids absolutely love sweet potatoes and they happily eat them every time I fix them. That’s why I have an extensive and creative collection of sweet potato recipes! Other methods to try include:
Have you ever made shepherd’s pie with sweet potatoes? What was the result? Share below!
