This quick and easy shepherd’s pie is topped with fluffy mashed sweet potato and filled with your choice of ground chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb. A lighter, healthier, and gluten-free version of a classic shepherd’s pie.
Best sweet potato shepherd’s pie
Shepherd’s pie is one of those classic and super comforting dishes I remember loving growing up. However, traditional recipes use russet potatoes, flour, and ground lamb. So, that’s why you will love this healthier and lighter recipe. Say hello to this secretly healthy and gluten-free sweet potato shepherd’s pie made with lean ground chicken or turkey.
This homemade shepherd’s pie is unlike other recipes because it is light, healthier, and topped with the creamiest mashed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are one of those love-hate foods, but they seriously add the best naturally sweet topping to a savory filling. I am not sure about you, but I’ve been on a serious sweet potato kick this last year. If you’re like me, try these taco-stuffed sweet potatoes and this sweet potato gnocchi recipe.
The best part about this recipe is that there a boat loads of customizations to make it your own. I want cooking to be as easy and as accessible to everyone. I love using ground chicken for this shepherd’s pie, but you can easily use ground turkey, ground beef, or traditional ground lamb.
This sweet potato shepherd’s pie recipe does not compromise on flavor. It’s packed with herbs and spices and will surely be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, there is no heavy cream, no gluten, and no eggs in this recipe. It is so delicious that no one can tell this shepherd’s pie is healthy or gluten-free.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Pick the Protein: Choose ground chicken, turkey, lean beef, or lamb to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Healthier Twist: We use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes to add a dose of nutrition with their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Greek Yogurt: We also use Greek yogurt in place of butter in the mashed potatoes.
- Gluten-Free: This shepherd’s pie recipe is 100% gluten-free.
- Egg Free: Unlike most shepherd’s pie recipes, this one doesn’t call for eggs.
- Savory and Comforting: This dish combines hearty ground meat with a creamy layer of mashed sweet potatoes – such a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Quicky & Easy: The step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, making it simple to prepare even for beginner cooks.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling and mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Dairy-Free: You can easily substitute olive oil or coconut oil for the Greek yogurt, making this recipe 100% dairy-free.
- Try these chicken parm stuffed sweet potatoes next!
Ingredients and easy substitutions
This sweet potato shepherd’s pie calls for a handful of simple and healthy ingredients. It is customizable since you pick the protein: ground chicken, ground lamb, ground turkey, or ground beef. Here is a list of ingredients and substitutions so you have every prepared:
Mashed Sweet Potato Topping:
- Sweet Potatoes: For a fun twist on a classic shepherd’s pie. Sweet potatoes are the perfect naturally sweet topping to this saucy dish. However, you can use russet potatoes if needed or preferred.
- Greek Yogurt: Instead of butter, we use Greek yogurt to make these mashed potatoes creamy and fluffy.
- Seasonings: You need salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and fresh thyme to flavor the mashed potatoes.
- Parmesan: I left an option to add parmesan cheese to make the topping cheesy and flavorful. Again, it’s totally optional.
Shepherd’s Pie Filling:
- Olive Oil: To saute the onions. You can also use coconut oil or avocado oil.
- Onion: I love yellow onion, but you can also use a sweet or white one.
- Carrots: Cut them into coins. If needed, use baby carrots.
- Protein: I prefer using ground chicken for this healthy shepherd’s pie. It’s super juicy, flavorful, and high in protein too. You can also use ground turkey, beef, or lamb.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds to the most wonderful flavoring. You can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
- Gluten-Free Flour: To make the shepherd’s pie gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Tomato Paste: This adds the classic shepherd’s pie flavor to this healthy version.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Make sure you buy a gluten-free certified brand.
- Broth: You can use chicken or vegetable broth to ensure the filling doesn’t dry out in the oven.
- Spices: Use paprika and thyme to season the filling.
- Frozen Peas: To sneak some vegetables into this recipe and to stay true to classic shepherd’s pie, add in 1 cup of frozen peas.
- Fresh Spinach: Add some extra leafy greens to make this recipe healthier. I promise you cannot taste it.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
Here is a list of kitchen utensils for making this savory and protein-packed gluten-free shepherd’s pie.
- Large Pot
- Potato Masher or Fork
- Baking Dish (9×9” or 7×11”) or a 10-inch Skillet
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Large Saute Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Tools & Cups.
How to make sweet potato shepherd’s pie
This sweet potato shepherd’s pie is so easy to make that any level cook can whip it up. This recipe is healthy and 100% gluten-free since we use gluten-free flour to thicken the filling. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures:
Step 1:
First, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Step 2: Make the mashed sweet potatoes
In a large pot, add the sweet potato pieces and enough water to cover them by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 8 – 14 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and mash them using a potato masher or fork.
Then, whip in the Greek yogurt (or butter), parmesan cheese (optional), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings if desired, then set aside.
Step 3: Make the healthy shepherd’s pie filling
First, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot coins, and cook for 5 – 7 minutes until onions are translucent and softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Then, stir the gluten-free flour over the pan for 1 minute.
Next, push vegetables to the side and add your choice of ground meat to the pan. I love ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Spoon off excess fat if necessary (this will only happen with the beef and lamb since chicken and turkey are very lean).
Finally, stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6 – 8 minutes, until meat is browned. Add chicken or vegetable broth, frozen peas, and chopped spinach. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 – 8 minutes until the mixture thickens and the spinach wilts.
Step 4: Assemble and bake
Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×9″-inch or 7×11″-inch baking dish, then spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the meat and spread into an even layer.
Bake for 25 – 30 minutes or until the potatoes start to brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Allow the healthy and gluten-free shepherd’s pie to cool for 5 – 10 minutes before serving. I garnished mine with chopped parsley and chives. Enjoy!
Expert recipe tips:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces before boiling: This is my #1 trip to making this dish in under 30 minutes. The smaller the sweet potato pieces, the less time they need to boil.
- Choose your Protein: To make this dish healither and less fatty, opt for lean protein like ground turkey or chicken. But I also love ground beef and lamb on occasion.
- Substitute the Greek Yogurt: You can use sour cream or unsalted butter if you don’t have Greek yogurt.
- If using Beef or Lamb: make sure you spoon off excess fat so the filling is not too liquidy. This will only happen with beef and lamb since chicken and turkey are very lean.
- Allow the dish to cool: Allow this gluten-free shepherd’s pie to cool for 5 – 10 minutes before serving. If not, the filling will be scorching hot.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe is great for preparing ahead. You can make the filling and mashed sweet potatoes earlier in the day, or even the day before, and assemble the dish when you’re ready to bake.
- Customize It: I use frozen peas and spinach, but you can customize it and add frozen broccoli, cauliflower rice, bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms.
What to serve with shepherd’s pie:
Shepherd’s Pie is a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a slice of crusty bread. Here is a list of the best dishes to serve with shepherd’s pie:
- Salad: Try this kale crunch salad, strawberry goat cheese salad, or this Greek spinach salad.
- Garlic Bread: I love this air fryer garlic bread and this gluten-free garlic bread!
- Vegetables: My favorite way to prepare vegetables is roasting or air frying. Try this crispy air fryer broccolini, air fryer broccoli and cauliflower, or these balsamic maple Brussels sprouts.
What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s Pie is typically made with lamb as the meat component, while Cottage Pie is made with ground beef. The concept is the same – a meat and vegetable filling topped with mashed potatoes –but the choice of meat distinguishes the two.
This recipe can be considered a cottage pie or a shepherd’s pie since I give you an option for the meat filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best ground meat to use for this recipe?
For this sweet potato shepherd’s pie, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground lamb. Using lean ground meat makes this dish healthier. I prefer turkey or chicken.
Can I use ground beef?
Yes, if you prefer ground beef, feel free to use it. Remember that you may need to spoon off excess fat as the beef cooks.
Is shepherd’s pie gluten-free?
Traditional shepherd’s pie made with a meat filling and topped with mashed potatoes is typically gluten-free unless it calls for all-purpose flour to thicken the filling. Also, look for a gluten-free version of Worcestershire sauce, as some regular versions might contain gluten.
Can I use russet potatoes?
You can absolutely use Russet potatoes instead of sweet potatoes to make the topping for this gluten-free shepherd’s pie. Russet potatoes are starchy and create a creamy and fluffy mashed potato layer when properly prepared.
Can I make this shepherd’s pie dairy-free?
You can certainly make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the Greek yogurt with olive oil, dairy-free yogurt, or coconut Oil.
Can you freeze shepherd’s pie?
Yes, Shepherd’s Pie can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze the pie before you bake it. Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and then thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
How to store and reheat shepherd’s pie:
Storing: Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool to room temperature. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up or preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the entire dish covered in aluminum foil for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. I reccomend baking them so the sweet potato topping is nice and crispy.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Parm Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
- Chicken and Broccoli Lasagna
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi
- Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Chicken Bolognese
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 – 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, or butter
- ¼ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese, optional but so delish
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ – 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 – 2 tbsp parsley or chives, chopped, to garnish at the end
The Filling:
- 1 lb ground chicken, ground turkey, 94% lean ground beef, or ground lamb
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, cut into coins
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 – 3 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 – 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
The Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Make the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- In a large pot, add the sweet potato pieces and enough water to cover them by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 8 – 14 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and mash them using a potato masher or fork.
- Whip in the Greek yogurt (or butter), parmesan cheese (optional) garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings if desired, then set aside.
Make the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrot coins, and cook for 5 – 7 minutes until onions are translucent and softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle the gluten-free flour over the pan and stir for 1 minute.
- Push vegetables to the side and add your choice of ground meat to the pan. I love ground chicken. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Spoon off excess fat if necessary (this will only happen with the beef and lamb since chicken and turkey are very lean).
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6 – 8 minutes, until meat is browned.
- Add chicken or vegetable broth, frozen peas, and chopped spinach. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 – 8 minutes until the mixture thickens and the spinach wilts.
Assemble:
- Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×9”-inch or 7×11”-inch baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes over the meat and spread into an even layer.
- Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, or until the potatoes start to brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 5 minutes.
Serve:
- Allow the shepherd’s pie to cool for 5 – 10 minutes before serving. Garnished with chopped parsley or chives. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Saskia says
So delicious! The filling was super flavorful and the sweet potato topping was out of this word good. Will make again
Andrea says
Tati, thanks for this recipe. It was not only fun to make but my husband loved it too. It was very flavor forward. I will make this again!
Nancy says
This was very flavorful and tastes better than the real thing my mom use to make us as kids. I am obsessed.
Donna says
OMG this is amazing! I’m a terrible cook and this came out absolutely delicious! My new favorite dinner thank you!
Julia says
Absolutely delicious! The sweet potato and paprika add something so special to this twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie. I will definitely make this again!
Wanda says
This is a cottage pie shepherd’s pie has lamb
Ashley says
One of the best recipes I have made! I love it. Love the sweet p instead of the heavy regular potatoes.
Jenna Shirkey says
Can honestly say I for some reason have never eaten, let alone made shepherds pie, but OMG I was missing out! This was beyond delicious, and will definitely be making again! Worked great for meal prep, but will also make if I have visitors / guests come over!