Beef Shepherds Pie Sweet Potato

The first time I made sweet potato shepherds pie was during a particularly brutal February when regular potatoes just would not do. Something about that vibrant orange color against the dark beef filling felt like a tiny rebellion against gray winter days. My roommate actually asked if I had used food coloring because she had never seen mash that color before. Now it is the only version I make because the sweetness plays so beautifully against the savory beef.

I served this at my first dinner party in my new apartment and my friend Mark who claims to hate sweet potatoes went back for thirds. He literally scraped the baking dish clean with his fork while pretending to help me clean up. That moment of watching someone discover they actually love an ingredient they thought they hated is still one of my favorite kitchen memories ever.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: I have learned that picking ones with smooth tight skin and no soft spots makes the smoothest mash
• Ground Beef: Do not drain all the fat because that flavor carries the whole dish but definitely spoon off the excess
• Tomato Paste: This concentrates the beef flavor so do not skip it even if you are tempted
• Worcestershire Sauce: Check the label carefully if you need gluten free because some brands sneak in wheat
• Frozen Peas: Add these at the very end so they stay bright green instead of turning that sad army color
• Beef Stock: Homemade is great but a good quality store bought one works perfectly fine here

Instructions

Preheat and Prep the Sweet Potatoes:

Get your oven going to 200°C (400°F) and peel then chunk those sweet potatoes so they are ready to boil

Boil Until Tender:

Cover the potato chunks with salted water bring to a bubble then simmer about 15 to 20 minutes until a knife slides through easily

Make the Creamy Mash:

Drain really well then mash with the milk butter salt and pepper until you have the smoothest fluffiest topping you have ever seen

Sauté the Base Vegetables:

Heat your olive oil in a big skillet then cook the onion for 3 minutes until it turns translucent before tossing in garlic and carrots for another 4 to 5 minutes

Brown the Beef:

Add the ground beef and break it up with your spoon cooking about 5 minutes until it is beautifully browned all over

Build the Flavor:

Stir in the tomato paste beef stock Worcestershire thyme salt and pepper then let it simmer 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens up nicely

Add the Peas:

Fold in those frozen peas and give them just 2 minutes to heat through then taste and adjust whatever seasonings need adjusting

Assemble the Pie:

Move the beef mixture to your baking dish then spread that gorgeous orange mash over the top using a fork to create little ridges

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Slide it into the oven for 20 minutes until the top is lightly golden then broil for 2 to 3 minutes if you want those crispy bits everyone fights over

The Hardest Part:

Let it rest for 5 full minutes before serving which I know feels impossible but it helps everything set so you get perfect scoops

Pin Recipe

This recipe became my go to when I moved to a city where I knew absolutely no one. Something about assembling this cozy dish in an unfamiliar kitchen made me feel grounded and a little less alone. It has traveled with me through three apartments and countless dinner parties since then.

Make It Ahead

You can absolutely assemble the entire shepherds pie up to a day before baking then just keep it wrapped in the fridge. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

Freezing Instructions

Let the baked pie cool completely then wrap it super tightly with both plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep beautifully for up to three months and just needs to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating at 180°C (350°F) until hot through.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts right through the richness of this dish. If you are feeling fancy some steamed green beans with a little lemon zest work beautifully too.

• A medium bodied red wine like Merlot pairs perfectly with the beef
• Some crusty bread never hurts to sop up the extra sauce
• Fresh thyme sprinkled on top right before serving looks gorgeous and adds a little punch of herbal freshness

Pin Recipe

There is something so deeply satisfying about serving a dish that looks impressive but comes from such humble ingredients. Hope this becomes a comfort food staple in your kitchen too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?

Yes, you can swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in the mash for a milder flavor and creamier texture.

→ How can I make the filling more flavorful?

Adding a splash of red wine during simmering enhances the depth of the beef filling's flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, provided you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this dish can be gluten-free friendly.

→ What vegetables are included in the beef filling?

The filling includes diced carrots, chopped onion, garlic, and frozen peas for texture and sweetness.

→ How do I achieve a golden top on the mash?

Baking at 200°C and finishing with a brief broil for 2–3 minutes creates a beautifully golden, slightly crisp topping.