Spoon Simple
Lentil and Beef Shepherd's Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
A comforting and protein-rich take on a classic, this shepherd's pie features a savory ground beef and lentil filling topped with a creamy, naturally sweet potato mash. It's a wholesome meal the whole family will love.
Prep 30 min
Cook 45 min
Total 1h 15m
Serves 6
Ingredients
Step 1 — For the Sweet Potato Topping
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk)
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 2 — For the Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground 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
Make Filling
While 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, breaking it up. Drain excess grease. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in garlic, rinsed lentils, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Simmer Filling
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender and sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 4
Mash Topping and Assemble
Mash the drained sweet potatoes with milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the sweet potato mash evenly over the beef and lentil filling in the skillet. Ensure it's sealed around the edges.
- 5
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the filling is bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition per serving: 550 cal · 42g protein · 45g carbs · 25g fat · 12g fiber
For informational purposes only. Not medical or dietary advice. Verify ingredients for allergens, cooking times, and safe internal temperatures before serving.
