Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The ground beef is cooked with onions, carrots, celery, peas, and a flavorful sauce, and then topped with a creamy, mashed sweet potato topping. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Shepherd's Pie is a traditional British dish that dates back to the 18th century. It was originally made with leftover lamb or mutton, but over time, ground beef became the more popular choice. The name "Shepherd's Pie" comes from the fact that the dish was often cooked by shepherds in the field. They would use a shepherd's crook to make a hole in the ground, and then place the pie in the hole and cover it with hot coals. This would cook the pie slowly and evenly. Our recipe for Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato is a modern take on this classic dish. We use ground beef for a hearty flavor, and sweet potatoes for a creamy, flavorful topping. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie with Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the onion, carrots, celery, peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  4. Pour the ground beef mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  5. In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread the sweet potato mixture over the ground beef mixture.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato topping is golden brown.
  7. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Why It Works
  • The ground beef is cooked with onions, carrots, celery, peas, and a flavorful sauce, which gives the dish a rich, savory flavor.
  • The creamy, mashed sweet potato topping adds a touch of sweetness and richness to the dish.
  • The dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.
  • Shepherd's Pie is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.