Shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food – warm and hearty, perfect for those harsh cold winter days. This sweet potato and ground turkey version is especially nutrient-dense, and just as cozy and delicious as ever! A note on semantics: shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, cottage pie is made with ground beef. I find most Americans use “shepherd’s pie” interchangeably for any pie with ground meat, so I’ll be calling this shepherd’s pie. There. I’ve addressed this issue so hopefully we can avoid any controversy on wording (you’d be surprised how many strong feelings this evokes!) and just focus on the DELICIOUSNESS! Normally, I make a shepherd’s (cottage) pie with ground beef and mashed white potatoes. It’s equally simple and comforting. I’ve also made a shepherd’s pie with mashed cauliflower for a lower carb version. I just LOVE this sweet potato and turkey version, not only because it’s a bit more nutrient-dense, but the sweet flavor of the potatoes makes the flavor completely different from your traditional shepherd’s pie. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List with Substitutions
Sweet PotatoesGround TurkeyTomato paste – or ketchup works as well.Broth – I used beef (from better than bouillon) but any kind will do.Cornstarch – this will help thicken the meat mixture; another thickener like arrowroot powder will also workMixed Vegetables – I use a bag of frozen mixed veggies for convenience.OnionMilk – cow’s milk or plant-based milk for a dairy free version is fine!Butter – or ghee or vegan butter if needed.
How to make Sweet Potato Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
Start by steaming the sweet potatoes. I find steaming rather than boiling softens them enough to mash without water-logging them. After they are done steaming, mix with milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash them. While the sweet potatoes steam, make the meat mixture. Sauté onions, add the ground turkey and cook completely. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat, then pour in the broth. Add a cornstarch slurry, heat until thickened, then stir in the frozen mixed veggies (no need to defrost first!) and season with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, assemble the shepherd’s pie. Butter a casserole dish, add the meat mixture, and spread the mashed sweet potatoes on top. Pour on some melted butter and bake. Allow to cool for a while before diving in and serving!
Can I make shepherd’s pie ahead and freeze it?
Absolutely! Just assemble the casserole without baking and stick in your refrigerator or freezer. If frozen, defrost it overnight in the fridge before baking. Keep in mind, it might take longer to bake if it’s still cold when it goes in the oven.
Can I make shepherd’s pie dairy free?
Yup! Just use a plant milk in the mashed sweet potatoes and ghee or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
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