Shepherd’s pie gets a flavorful twist with whipped sweet potatoes scented with maple and orange zest. Comfort food you can feel good about eating.
I don’t know what the weather is like in your neck of the woods but around here it looks a little bit like Siberia. But if I’m being honest, I really don’t mind. The snow is gorgeous and there is nothing more beautiful than waking up to a winter wonderland where the sun makes everything sparkle like fairy dust.
What can I say, I’m a Michigan gal and you couldn’t pay me to live without four seasons. Aside from the beauty, the other best thing about winter is the chance to cozy up by the fire in flannel without any guilt!
And since we’re talking about guilt-free indulgences, I can’t wait to tell you about this Shepherd’s Pie with Whipped Sweet Potatoes. Whenever I make mashed root vegetables, I always make a little extra to re-purpose into something new.
When I recently created Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Orange Zest, I knew I would be enjoying a Shepherd’s pie in my near future. Perhaps it’s my Irish roots (kiss me!) or maybe it’s my comfort-food-loving husband but this time of year begs for a warm and hearty casserole.
And since I’m working on those last 10 pounds, this is a healthier version you can feel good about eating.
Your fork is waiting.
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground sirloin (turkey chicken or lamb also work)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 2 carrots diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour or all-purpose
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup peas frozen
- 4 cups Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes
- 6 ounces shredded Manchego cheese or other sharp cheese
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat a large, deep sauté pan over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray.
- Add ground sirloin to the hot pan along with Worcester sauce, sage, thyme, salt and cayenne. Cook until browned, 7-9 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break down meat. Remove cooked beef from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté carrots, onions and minced garlic over medium heat until tender, about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add reserved beef back to the pan and sprinkle entire mixture with flour. Cook for 60 seconds then pour in chicken broth. Bring back to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer until gravy starts to form.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook until heated through, 1-2 minutes.
- Spread beef and vegetable mixture in an even layer on the bottom of a casserole or 8 x 11 baking dish.
- Top the beef mixture with the whipped sweet potatoes and use a rubber or offset spatula to spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese then bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown on top, 45-55 minutes depending on oven strength.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Jen @ Carlsbad Cravings
This looks SO good! I am in love with the whipped sweet potatoes! Fabulous idea!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you so much Jen!!
rachel
love the addition of sweet potatoes! yummy!
Liz DellaCroce
It really took it to the next level!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Sweet potatoes with maple and orange? This shepherds pie sounds wonderful!
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t resist adding the maple and orange – it was the perfect balance to the Shepherd’s Pie!! Hope you’re doing well friend!
Susan
This sounds absolutely delicious. I have a sweet potato shepherd’s pie recipe I’ve been using, but I think this one sounds better.
You may like snow now, but wait until you get old and don’t like cold any more… Our highs this week are in the mid-60s, lows in the mid-40s – very pleasant. The one thing I miss about snow, which we rarely have, is those days when you wake up to the sparkle of the sun shining on ice-covered trees. The whole world looks like a crystal chandelier, one of the prettiest sights I know.
Liz DellaCroce
You know you make a great point about the snow – haha!
Aggie
I have totally been craving shepherds pie lately, this looks so delicious! Love the sweet potato topping – perfect!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you try it girl!
beverley
what a great idea…I love sweet potato! I know this will be a favorite in our house. Thank you Liz you’re the best xoxo
Liz DellaCroce
Aww I hope you like it Beverley!
Gaby
Comfort food I can feel good about? YES!!
Megan {Country Cleaver}
It’s a bit Siberia-esque here in Seattle and that doesn’t happen often – but when it’s this frigid – I totally need something warm and cozy!
Liz DellaCroce
Siberia is no fun is it? Can we meet at Pike’s Place for a coffee?
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
looks so hearty and delicious! love sweet potatoes!
Liz DellaCroce
They add so much flavor!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
I am definitely craving this shepherd’s pie. Love that you used sweet potatoes.
Liz DellaCroce
Another way to get good veggies to the boys right?
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
Come to mama!! Love this healthy spin on shepherds pie!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you doll face!!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven
Wow, that looks beautiful! And those sweet potatoes of yours sound heavenly.
Stay warm in Siberia!!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you friend!! Thank goodness for coffee to warm me up. :)
Tonia from TheGunnySack
I love that you put sweet potatoes on top! Delicious!
Liz DellaCroce
I couldn’t help myself!!
Beth @ The First Year
We frequently make gardener’s pie during the winter, while have to try out this recipe too!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh now that sounds amazing Beth!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
It started snowing this weekend. Considering I was in FL last winter, this is QUITE the change.
BUT, you went and healthified one of my favorite comfort foods…so I’ll use the deliciousness to keep me warm! Pinned!
Liz DellaCroce
hahah That IS the change!!
Maryea {happy healthy mama}
Would you believe I’ve never made Shepherd’s Pie? It’s one of those staple recipes I feel like I should make. I didn’t grow up eating it, so I guess that’s why. I love your twist of using sweet potatoes! They are my favorite, so I’m sure I’d love Shepherd’s Pie more with them!
I’m with you on loving snow for now. After Christmas, however, I’m done. :) I grew up in the U.P. but I guess I’ve been away too long!
Liz DellaCroce
We never ate them growing up either but for some reason I love making them every once in awhile now!!