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Cozy Shepherds Pie Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

shepherds pie stuffed sweet potatoes - featured image

A comforting and hearty dinner recipe combining roasted sweet potatoes with a savory ground beef and vegetable filling, topped with creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds/900 grams total)
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • ½ cup (75 grams) frozen peas
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional, can use dairy-free)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (any preferred type)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. While the potatoes roast, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced carrots, sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring to avoid burning.
  4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens into a rich, saucy filling. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise. Using a fork, gently mash the insides in a bowl. Add butter and milk, mashing until smooth and creamy but still with a little texture.
  9. Scoop the savory beef filling generously into each sweet potato half, topping with the creamy mashed sweet potato if you like extra comfort.
  10. Pop them back in the oven under the broiler for 3-5 minutes if you want a lightly browned top and crispy edges. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, roast sweet potatoes whole and unpeeled. Add peas at the end to avoid mushiness. Broil at the end for a crispy top. Vegetarian version can be made by substituting ground beef with lentils and using vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie, stuffed sweet potatoes, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cozy recipe