Autumn Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Experience the ultimate comfort food with Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, a perfect dish for the autumn season that combines wholesome ingredients with delightful flavors. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for over a decade, and it’s continuously requested by friends and family. With just a prep time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 40 minutes, you can enjoy this dish in under an hour. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Yield: 6 Servings
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ancho chile powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 4 cups mashed, seasoned sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions to Make Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Next, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- After that, season the mixture with salt, ground black pepper, dried oregano, cumin, ancho chili powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
- Incorporate the can of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of canned pumpkin. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Spoon the meat mixture into the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Spread it out evenly to form an even layer.
- Spread the mashed, seasoned sweet potatoes over the top of the turkey mixture. Smooth out with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with smoked paprika for an added layer of flavor.
- Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the mashed sweet potato tops are slightly golden.
Healthier Cooking Option
For a healthier version, consider steaming the sweet potatoes instead of boiling to retain more nutrients. In addition, you might opt for a lower-calorie turkey variety to reduce fat intake.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
Above all, this Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory turkey filling, creating a balanced and hearty dish. Not only is it easy and quick to prepare, but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients, making it a winner for meal planning. Enjoy as is, or customize with your favorite seasonal veggies!
