This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a healthy, flavor-packed twist on the classic comfort food, made entirely with paleo-friendly ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner for busy people who want to eat clean without sacrificing taste. Filled with protein-rich ground meat, tender vegetables, and a creamy sweet potato mash, each bite delivers satisfying warmth and nourishment. Whether you’re following a paleo diet or simply looking for a wholesome meal, this dish is a deliciously smart choice.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth (paleo-friendly)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potato and boil for 10–12 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well and set aside.
- While the sweet potatoes are boiling, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and diced carrots to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until fully browned and cooked through.
- Season the meat mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef or chicken broth and stir to combine. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes, until most of the liquid has reduced. Remove from heat.
- Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a bowl. Mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the meat and vegetable mixture evenly into a small baking dish (or two ramekins for individual servings). Spread the mashed sweet potato on top to cover the filling.
- Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the top begins to lightly brown and the filling is bubbling. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 370
Protein (g): 21
Fat (g): 22
Carbohydrates (g): 23
Fiber (g): 4
Sugar (g): 6
Sodium (mg): 420
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring halfway through, though this may slightly alter the texture of the mashed sweet potatoes.
Optional Add-Ins and Swaps
To increase the protein and fiber content while staying paleo-friendly, consider adding chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the meat mixture. Cauliflower florets or mashed cauliflower can be mixed with the sweet potato for added micronutrients and a lighter texture. Using grass-fed ground beef can boost omega-3 and nutrient levels, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor while providing B vitamins. All these swaps enhance both the flavor and nutrition while keeping the recipe aligned with paleo principles.
