Thank you Libby’s for sponsoring this post.
I've spent most of my life so far unaware of the soothing comfort food that is shepherd's pie. One of my mentors ordered it at a working lunch maybe four years ago and I was so intrigued. I don't see it on restaurant menus very often but honestly, prefer to make it myself because it's actually quite a simple recipe. And, if you know me, you know I like to put a twist on almost everything! So I partnered with Libby's Vegetables to share my fusion sweet potato shepherd's pie with you today. It is the perfect balance of sweet and savory and will fill and comfort you without making you feel weighed down. Let's get into the details.
What is Fusion Shepherd's Pie?
Shepherd's pie is of Western European origin and typically has a ground meat and veggie filling topped with a mashed potato crust and is delicious in its traditional form. My fusion sweet potato shepherd's pie uses sweet potatoes and not much else for the crust and lamb flavored with fragrant North African spices in the filling, as well as aromatics like onion and garlic. I also include veggies in the filling, namely, chopped mushrooms and Libby's Peas & Carrots. Libby's Vegetables help me turn pantry staples into an amazing dish without a ton of prep work. (Pro Tip: Keep as many different Libby’s Vegetables stocked in your pantry and you’ll be ready to go whenever!) Using them here adds something familiar to a somewhat adventurous internationally-inspired recipe.
You might be surprised by just how easily this fusion sweet potato shepherd's pie comes together. Don't let the cook time of this recipe throw you off! The majority of it is taken up by roasting the sweet potatoes for the topping, which is passive. You can put them into the oven and make the filling during that time or do something else entirely, then make the filling as the sweet potatoes cool.
Do whatever works for you because this fusion sweet potato shepherd's pie is a low maintenance recipe. And you can even add other veggies into the filling, if you like. I'm pretty sure that personalization is one of my love languages so this fact speaks to me. I like to keep a few varieties of Libby's Vegetables in my pantry because they're affordable and an easy way to make sure I can get nutritious vegetables into my meals, even when I'm short on time. And making several grocery store trips isn't my idea of a good time right now so I appreciate all the versatility I can get.
Let me know what you think of my fusion sweet potato shepherd's pie. I think you'll love it and I encourage you to recreate the recipe year-round and learn more about Libby’s Vegetables. Also, sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
How to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Fusion Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
Ingredients
Shepherd's Pie Topping
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Shepherd's Pie Filling
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ yellow onion diced
- 1 pound ground lamb ground beef or turkey would also work
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper depending on heat you preference
- 1 can Libby's Peas & Carrots drained
- 4 white mushrooms chopped
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- fresh mint leaves, chopped optional
Instructions
- To prep sweet potatoes for topping, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sweet potatoes in oven (on or over a piece of foil to catch any drippings) and roast for about 45 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Reduce oven heat to 350 degrees.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high flame. Add onion and garlic then cook for about a minute.
- Add ground lamb to pan and break up with spoon then add spices, stir to mix, and cook until lamb is browned.
- Add peas & carrots, mushrooms, tomato paste, and water to pan then stir until the water and tomato paste combine into a sauce. Remove pan from flame and spread filling into a baking dish.
- To make the topping, peel and mash the roasted sweet potatoes. Add black pepper, garlic powder, and salt then mix well. This step should be easy to do with a fork or wooden spoon but can also be accomplished in a food processor or stand mixer.
- Spread sweet potato topping over filling in pan. If you want, you can make a design in the topping using a large fork, kabob skewer or something similar.
- Bake shepherd's pie, uncovered, about 30 minutes. Top will not brown much. Garnish with chopped mint leaves, if desired, and enjoy warm.
Be sure to check out more North African inspired dishes you'll love, such as the Lamb Meatball Power Bowls and the Slow Cook Moroccan Chicken!
Kaluhi says
This does look so sunny and I love the sweet potato twist to this! Extra flavor and extra deliciosness!
Marta says
I'm a lover of shepherd's pie, but I don't think I've ever used sweet potatoes. My entire family raved about the sweet and savory aspect of this.
Katrina Adams says
This twist on a classic recipe was delicious!! I made it for a potluck dinner and it was a winner!
Mila Clarke Buckley says
I loved the twist on this Shepherd's Pie! My family are all huge fans of sweet potatoes, and we were so excited about how this came out! Definite dinner winner!
Samantha says
I’ve never heard of a shepherds pie with sweet potatoes before! This recipe is so perfect for Thanksgiving!
Chenée says
I've had shepherd's pie before, but this one was next level! The flavors from the coriander and cumin worked so well with the sweet potatoes. Definitely gonna be in heavy rotation in our house!
Tamara says
We made this for dinner the other night and it was a big hit! Thank you for sharing tour recipe.
Desirée says
This was my first time making a sweet potato shepherd's pie, but it won't be my last! It was everything!!
Adelaise says
A delicious variation of a traditional shepherds pie. Love the inclusion of sweet potato, it totally transforms the dish.
Andrea says
Loved this recipe! Way easier to make than I expected! Thank you!
Chef Mireille says
I dont know why I didnt think of this before - This is definitely going to be my new way of making Shepherds Pie with sweet potatoes. It is was SOOOO good!
Shani says
I made this for dinner tonight and it was a huge hit! I absolutely love the sweet potato twist!
Crystal says
I love this twist on a classic! Your photos really capture all of the steps in the photos and this recipe looks super easy to follow! That lamb looks delicious!
Britney Lashelle says
So I tried this recipe last night for dinner and lets just say I am not surprised that it was good lol Jazzmine always gives out good recipes. I used ground lamb as my filling and I also added some Slap Yo Mama for that extra kick, I will also be trying this recipe again in the fall since it was such a great hit in my house. Thanks again Jazz for the recipe!
Jazz says
You're so welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed this shepherd's pie, Britney. 🙂
Renia says
This recipe was so delicious and what made it even more special was not having to run to the store to get russet potatoes. We always have sweet potatoes on hand, they're Emory's though. So I had to get her permission before using them. She loved this recipe and so do I.