Beef Shepherds Pie Sweet

The winter I first made this sweet potato topped shepherds pie, my apartment windows were completely fogged up from the simmering beef filling. Something about the combination of rosemary, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce bubbling away on the stove just makes the whole house feel cozy.

My roommate walked in while I was mashing the sweet potatoes and literally asked what smelled so incredible. That night we ate straight from the baking dish standing at the counter because waiting for plates felt like asking too much.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Peel and cut into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter incorporates more easily into the potatoes
• Milk: Warm the milk slightly before adding to prevent cooling down the potatoes too quickly
• Salt and black pepper: Season the potatoes generously since they are the topping that carries much of the flavor
• Olive oil: A neutral oil that will not overpower the beef and vegetables
• Onion, garlic, carrots, celery: Finely chop these aromatics so they melt into the filling rather than staying chunky
• Ground beef: Look for beef with about 15 percent fat to keep the filling juicy and flavorful
• Tomato paste: This concentrates the beefy flavor and adds a beautiful rich color
• Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that adds depth and umami to the filling
• Dried thyme and rosemary: These classic herbs give the dish its comforting British cottage pie character
• Beef broth: Use a good quality broth or stock as it reduces down and intensifies in flavor
• Frozen peas: Add these at the very end so they stay bright green and do not become mushy

Instructions

Preheat your oven and start the potatoes:

Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) so it will be ready when the filling is done

Boil the sweet potatoes:

Place sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water, bring to a boil and cook 15 to 20 minutes until fork tender

Mash while hot:

Drain well and return to the warm pot, mash with butter, milk, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy

Sauté the aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook onion, garlic, carrots and celery for 5 to 6 minutes until softened

Brown the beef:

Add ground beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with your spoon until no longer pink

Add the seasonings:

Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes

Create the sauce:

Pour in beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened

Add the peas:

Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes before removing from heat

Assemble the pie:

Transfer beef mixture to a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish and spread evenly

Top and bake:

Spoon mashed sweet potatoes over the beef and spread smoothly, bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned

Rest before serving:

Let the dish cool for 10 minutes so the filling sets slightly and is easier to serve

Pin Recipe

This recipe has become my go-to when friends need comfort food. Last month I made three batches at once because my neighbor was recovering from surgery and nothing says I care quite like a bubbling dish of shepherds pie.

Making It Ahead

You can assemble the entire shepherds pie up to a day before baking, cover tightly and refrigerate. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Freezing Instructions

This dish freezes beautifully for up to three months. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon also work wonderfully as a fresh side.

• Try adding grated sharp cheddar to the potato topping for extra flavor
• Substitute ground lamb for beef if you want a more traditional British version
• Use plant-based butter and milk for a dairy-free version

Pin Recipe

There is something deeply satisfying about a dish that combines simple ingredients into something greater than the sum of its parts. This shepherds pie has that magical quality of feeling like a hug on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute lamb for the beef?

Yes, ground lamb can be used for a more traditional variation, providing a richer flavor profile.

→ How do I make the sweet potato topping extra creamy?

Mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly with butter and milk until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk quantity as needed.

→ Is it possible to prepare this in advance?

Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate before baking. Bake directly from chilled, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

→ What herbs complement this dish best?

Dried thyme and rosemary add earthy, aromatic notes that enhance the savory filling.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Carrots, celery, and peas are included for added texture and sweetness, blending well with the beef.