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Growing up, I remember weekend family dinners filled with laughter, stories, and, of course, delicious food. One dish that often graced our table was Shepherd’s Pie, a comforting and hearty meal that seemed to wrap us in a warm hug. It wasn’t just the flavors that made it special—it was the memories created around that simple yet satisfying meal. Fast forward to today, and I often find myself craving those nostalgic flavors with a modern twist. That’s when I discovered the delightful combination of sweet potatoes on top of a classic Shepherd’s Pie, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer!

Perfect for cozy winter nights, this dish brings a delightful balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal option for family meals or a comforting dinner at home. The vibrant orange sweet potato topping not only adds a pop of color but also brings a nutritional boost, making this a healthy alternative to the traditional mashed potato topping. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra vitamins into your meal, especially for the kids!

One tip for making this dish even easier is to use leftover rotisserie chicken or beef. This can save you time during busy weeknights, and it’s a fantastic way to repurpose meats. If you want to make it vegetarian-friendly, simply substitute the meat with a mix of your favorite vegetables and lentils for protein. Don’t forget to season your filling well with herbs like rosemary or thyme for that extra flavor layer—it really makes all the difference!

As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like serving a hot, bubbling Shepherd’s Pie straight from the oven, filling your home with enticing aromas and making everyone gather around the table in anticipation. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out other comforting favorites on the blog—each one crafted with love and a hint of nostalgia.

Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a pot, boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain.
• Add butter and milk to sweet potatoes and mash until smooth.
• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
• Add ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned.
• Stir in carrots, peas, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; cook until everything is heated through.
• Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the sweet potato mash on top.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is slightly golden.
• Allow to cool a little before serving. Enjoy!