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This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food that’s perfect for cozy nights! Made with layers of seasoned ground turkey and creamy mashed sweet potatoes, this healthier shepherd’s pie is as tasty as it is nutritious. The bright orange of the sweet potatoes adds a delightful touch of color and natural sweetness, making this dish both inviting and satisfying.

Everybody is familiar with the classic shepherd’s pie – a layered casserole dish made with meat on the bottom and mashed potatoes on top. Shepherd’s pie is a classic American comfort food – so tasty! This version of shepherd’s pie uses sweet potatoes instead of traditional white potatoes.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Healthy Comfort Food: This recipe swaps traditional potatoes for nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, adding a touch of natural sweetness and more vitamins. It’s comforting without compromising on health.
Simple Ingredients: With only a few simple ingredients like ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and onions, this recipe is budget-friendly and easy to put together.
Kid-Friendly Flavor: The combination of savory turkey and subtly sweet potato mash makes it a family favorite that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe doesn’t require any complicated steps. With straightforward cooking and baking, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Balanced Meal in One Dish: You get protein, veggies, and healthy carbs all in one comforting bake, making it a complete and satisfying dinner without needing extra sides.

Sweet potatoes are actually healthier than regular potatoes, so this sweet potato shepherd’s pie is quite a healthy choice! Use extra-lean ground turkey to lighten up the meat – turkey is delicious in combination with vibrant orange sweet potato mash!

Ingredients For Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Sweet Potatoes – Provides a creamy, naturally sweet topping full of nutrients like fiber and vitamins A and C.
Ground Turkey – A lean protein that pairs well with the sweetness of the potatoes and keeps the dish light and healthy.
Onion – Adds a savory depth to the turkey filling.
Oil – Used for sautéing the onion and turkey, adding richness to the dish.
Milk – Helps make the sweet potato mash extra creamy and smooth.
Egg – Brushed on top for a slightly golden, appetizing finish when baked.
Cumin – Gives the turkey filling a hint of earthy warmth that complements the sweet potatoes.
Honey – Adds a mild sweetness to balance the savory turkey and enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to taste for both the filling and the topping.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurements of all ingredients.
Potato Masher – To mash the sweet potatoes into a smooth, creamy texture.
Non-Stick Frying Pan – Ideal for cooking the turkey and onions without sticking.
Large Pot – For boiling the sweet potatoes until tender.
Colander – To drain the sweet potatoes after boiling.
Baking Dish – For layering and baking the shepherd’s pie.
Small Bowl – To whisk the egg for brushing over the top layer.

This is a one-dish recipe that makes a complete dinner – no side dish is needed! Baked casserole dishes are so comforting, this sweet potato shepherd’s pie makes a perfect dinner.

How To Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Boil a large pot of water, add the sweet potatoes, and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F while the sweet potatoes cook.
In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add the ground turkey to the pan, sprinkle with cumin, and cook, stirring, for about 10 minutes or until it’s fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Add milk and honey, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Spread the turkey mixture evenly in a baking dish, then layer the mashed sweet potatoes over the top.
Whisk an egg in a small bowl and brush it over the sweet potato layer for a golden finish.
Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie with a simple green salad for a light, balanced meal.
A side of steamed or roasted green beans adds a nice, vibrant color and a crunchy texture.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for an extra pop of color and fresh flavor.
Pair with a crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices from the casserole.
For a cozy meal, enjoy it alongside a warm bowl of soup, like tomato or chickpea.

Tips For Success

Cook the Sweet Potatoes Thoroughly: Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully tender by cooking them until a fork easily pierces through. This makes mashing easier and ensures a smooth, creamy topping.
Season Generously: The sweet potato topping and turkey filling both benefit from proper seasoning. Taste as you go, especially when preparing the turkey, to make sure each layer is flavorful.
Mash Sweet Potatoes Until Smooth: For the best texture, mash the sweet potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy. Adding milk and a touch of honey enhances the creaminess and natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Brush the Egg Evenly: Brushing the egg over the top of the mashed sweet potatoes gives the finished dish a beautiful golden-brown color. Be sure to cover the surface evenly for the best effect.
Use Lean Ground Turkey: Ground turkey keeps this shepherd’s pie light and healthy. Choose an extra-lean option if you’re looking to reduce fat content further, and drain any excess fat from the pan before layering it in the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap for Ground Beef: If you prefer a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor, substitute the ground turkey with lean ground beef. It adds a richer taste but keeps the recipe hearty and satisfying.
Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, in the sweet potato mash. You can also skip the egg wash on top, although it might not get as golden.
Add More Vegetables: For extra nutrition and color, consider adding diced carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the turkey mixture. Sauté them with the onion until tender, then add the turkey for a veggie-packed filling.
Use Regular Potatoes: If you prefer the classic style, regular mashed potatoes work just as well as the topping. Prepare them the same way as the sweet potatoes for a creamy, savory layer.
Sweeten with Maple Syrup: Instead of honey, try adding a tablespoon of maple syrup to the sweet potato mash. It adds a slightly different depth of sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the turkey.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing for Later: Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie freezes well! Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating a frozen shepherd’s pie, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. To reheat individual portions, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if you prefer a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that ground beef may add more fat, so draining any excess after cooking can help keep the dish light.

What if I don’t have cumin?

If you’re out of cumin, you can skip it or substitute it with another warm spice like paprika or a pinch of chili powder. This will still add a nice depth of flavor to the turkey filling.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the shepherd’s pie a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed. If it’s coming straight from the fridge, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the ground turkey with a plant-based meat substitute or a combination of beans and vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and peas. This will create a hearty, flavorful vegetarian version.

How do I get a smooth, creamy sweet potato topping?

The key to smooth mashed sweet potatoes is cooking them until very tender and then mashing them with a bit of milk and honey for creaminess. If you want it extra smooth, you can use an electric mixer to blend it until it reaches your desired texture.

Other Easy Sweet Potato Recipes

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe: This flavorful skillet combines ground turkey and sweet potatoes for a healthy, hearty, and easy weeknight meal.

Easy Boiled Sweet Potatoes Recipe: Perfectly tender boiled sweet potatoes make a quick and nutritious side dish for any meal.

Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these air-fried sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to deep frying.

Creamy Sweet Potato Soufflé Recipe: This light and fluffy sweet potato soufflé is a creamy, comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with holiday meals.

Mushroom and Sweet Potato Soup in the Instant Pot: A warm and comforting Instant Pot soup featuring earthy mushrooms and sweet potatoes for a cozy, nutrient-rich bowl.

Sweet Potato and Pomegranate Salad with Feta: This vibrant salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta for a fresh, flavorful dish.

Paleo and Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Pancakes (2 Ingredients): These easy, two-ingredient pancakes are naturally sweet, fluffy, and perfect for a healthy, paleo-friendly breakfast.

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