Spoon Simple
Beef and Lentil Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
A comforting and nutritious take on a classic, this shepherd's pie features a savory beef and lentil filling topped with a naturally sweet and creamy sweet potato mash.
Prep 25 min
Cook 50 min
Total 1h 15m
Serves 6
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Filling
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step 2 — For the Topping
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/4 cup milk or unsweetened almond milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Cook Sweet Potatoes
Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
- 2
Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables
While sweet potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain fat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 3
Simmer Filling
Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender and sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- 4
Mash Sweet Potatoes
Mash the drained sweet potatoes with butter (or olive oil), milk (or almond milk), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency.
- 5
Assemble and Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the sweet potato mash evenly over the beef and lentil filling in the skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is lightly golden.
- 6
Rest and Serve
Let the shepherd's pie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition per serving: 550 cal · 38g protein · 50g carbs · 20g fat · 12g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
