Sometimes, the coziest meals come from the unlikeliest combinations, right? Imagine a creamy, comforting pie that satisfies your soul without compromising on health. This Amazing Paleo Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a twist on the classic, swapping out traditional mash for the vibrant sweetness of sweet potatoes. You won’t just want seconds—you might just want the whole pie.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish is a total winner for several reasons. First off, easy cleanup! Who wants to spend more time scrubbing pots than enjoying dinner? This is a one-pan wonder that goes from stovetop to oven without the hassle of multiple dishes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while keeping everyone in the family happy—even the picky eaters.
Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly! With ground meat and sweet potatoes, you’re looking at a meal that’s light on the wallet and heavy on flavor. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and stir in tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- While the meat mixture simmers, boil the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the sweet potatoes with coconut milk and ghee or coconut oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the meat filling in the skillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
How to Make Amazing Paleo Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie (Overview)
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience! You’ll start by browning the meat with your favorite veggies, letting those flavors mingle like old friends at a reunion. Next, mash the sweet potatoes until they’re smooth as butter—and let’s be honest, you probably won’t want to stop sampling. Finally, spread that sweet mash on top of the savory filling, and bake it until bubbly and golden. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic; it really amps up the flavor!
How to Serve Amazing Paleo Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
When serving up your shepherd’s pie, think of garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color and an inviting aroma. Perhaps a side salad filled with crunchy greens for contrast? The vibrant orange sweet potatoes against the browned filling creates a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Pair it with a glass of your favorite red wine for an added cozy touch. Delish! 🍷
How to Store Amazing Paleo Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Leftovers? Oh yes, please! Store your pie in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, pop it in the freezer, and it should last about two to three months. Simply reheat in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Make-ahead tip: You can prep everything and assemble it the day before. Just bake when you’re ready to dig in!
Tips to Make Amazing Paleo Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- Use a mix of ground meats for extra flavor—try half lamb and half beef.
- Experiment with spices! Add paprika or a sprinkle of cayenne for a kick.
- Texture tip: If you like a creamier topping, add a bit more coconut milk to the mash.
- Don’t forget to taste as you go along. You may want to adjust seasonings!
- Feel free to add more veggies to the filling—zucchini or bell peppers work well.
Variation
Want to switch it up a bit? Try making this dish vegan by using lentils or chickpeas in place of ground meat. Or, add a twist with some diced mushrooms for that umami flavor, or incorporate different herbs like oregano for a Mediterranean vibe. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
Can I use sweet potato mash instead of regular potatoes?
- Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice and make this dish even more nutritious.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prep the filling and mash the sweet potatoes a day in advance; just assemble and bake when ready to serve.
How can I adapt this for meal prep?
- Portion into individual containers after baking and store in the fridge or freezer. Perfect for grabbing a quick, healthy meal!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Paleo Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and stir in tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.
- While the meat mixture simmers, boil the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the sweet potatoes with coconut milk and ghee or coconut oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the meat filling in the skillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.