Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Published Feb 26, 2026
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
A Cozy, Better-For-You Comfort Classic
If you’re craving comfort food that feels both hearty and wholesome, this sweet potato shepherd’s pie is the perfect dish to add to your rotation. It takes everything you love about the classic — savory filling, creamy topping, and warm, cozy flavors — and gives it a nourishing twist with naturally sweet, velvety mashed sweet potatoes.
Table of Contents
Even better, this recipe is gluten-free and packed with simple, satisfying ingredients, making it a dependable choice for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
First, the flavor balance is incredible. The savory beef and vegetables create a rich base, while the sweet potato topping adds a subtle sweetness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. As a result, every bite feels comforting yet balanced.
In addition, the texture is what truly sets this dish apart. The filling is hearty and satisfying, the topping is smooth and creamy, and the finishing layer adds a crave-worthy crunch that makes it feel just a little special.
Because it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for dairy-free needs, it’s also a great option when cooking for a variety of dietary preferences.
What You’ll Need
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter or dairy-free butter
- Milk of choice
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Tomato paste
- Carrots
- Beef broth
- Peas
- Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
A Fresh Take on a Comfort Food Classic
Traditional shepherd’s pie is beloved for its hearty, stick-to-your-ribs appeal. However, swapping in sweet potatoes brings a lighter, slightly sweeter profile that feels modern and inviting. Not only do they add vibrant color, but they also create a silky topping that pairs beautifully with the savory filling.
Meanwhile, the mix of vegetables adds both flavor and texture, making the dish feel well-rounded and satisfying without being overly heavy.
The Secret to Big Flavor
The key to an amazing shepherd’s pie is building layers of flavor. Cooking the aromatics until fragrant, allowing the filling to simmer briefly, and seasoning thoughtfully all contribute to a rich, savory base.
Then, topping everything with creamy sweet potatoes creates that classic contrast between hearty and smooth that makes this dish so comforting. Finally, the crisp topping adds a finishing touch that brings both texture and visual appeal.
Perfect for Weeknights or Make-Ahead Meals
Because this dish reheats beautifully, it’s ideal for meal prep or busy evenings. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready, which makes dinner feel effortless. Additionally, leftovers hold their flavor and texture well, so it’s just as enjoyable the next day.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a casual gathering, this recipe feels both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Serving Ideas
Pair this sweet potato shepherd’s pie with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The freshness of a crisp side balances the richness of the pie and keeps the plate feeling light and satisfying.
For entertaining, serve it straight from the baking dish for a rustic, inviting presentation that encourages everyone to dig in.
The Last Bite
This sweet potato shepherd’s pie is proof that comfort food can be both cozy and fresh at the same time. With its rich, savory filling, creamy topping, and satisfying texture, it’s a dish that feels nostalgic yet updated for today’s kitchens.
Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s the kind of recipe people request again and again — simple, flavorful, and endlessly comforting.
For more recipes featuring sweet potatoes, try:
Smoky Cacao-Chipotle Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili
Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet
Turkey & Tahini Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Latkes with Asian Dipping Sauce
Moroccan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Sheppard’s Pie
Ingredients
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- 2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup unsalted butter or dairy-free butter
- ½ cup milk of choice
- Avocado oil spray
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
- ¼ cup gluten-free beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 (5-ounce) bag Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips, any flavor
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and boil for about 15 minutes or until very tender. Drain and return to the hot pot and let steam for a few minutes off the heat to remove excess moisture. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and butter, and mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth. Add the milk and whip or mash well. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with avocado oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir in the carrots and beef broth and simmer for 2-4 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked and the liquid reduces. Stir in the peas and cook for another 1 -2 minutes. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the top evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Add the chips and return to the oven for about 3 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
